"That is a flattering solution," I said, "but if I may venture to say so,
it seems rather a bold inference."
"I'm certain it's right," she said confidently. "Did you speak to Jock?"
"Yes, I had a little talk with him; that's to say of course I did all
the talking."
"In your natural voice?"
"Latterly I did," I admitted.
"Were you far from the wall above the beach."
"Not very."
"And I suppose there were lots of rocks about?"
"The usual supply."
"Then some one was behind either the wall or the rocks and you were
overheard! That's how you were found out!"
"Miss Rendall," I said, "you arrive at solutions by such brilliant short
cuts that I feel like an old cart horse stumbling along out of sight
behind you. My models hitherto have been the classical detectives--"
"Tuts!" she laughed, "they were only men!"
"Yes," I agreed, "we are not much of a sex. And now, guess again please,
it's a very simple conundrum this time--for you. Who was the man behind
the wall--or the rocks?"
She looked the least trifle hurt.
"I am really trying to help," she said,
"I know it!" I assured her. "And don't think I am laughing at you. This
jumping to conclusions is probably the right way of reaching them. Anyhow
my way has failed, and I am only too keen to try yours."
But I could see that I had a sensitive as well as a clever ally, and her
ardour was evidently a little damped.
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