He paused an instant to study this little man with an interest aroused by the sum of his salary.

"And what of Haney's description?
His accusation ?" he asked.
"Haney might have lied, you know," retorted Mr.Wynne.

"Men in his position have been known to lie." "I understood you to say," the chief resumed, heedless of the note of irony in the other's voice, "that you and Miss Kellner are to be married ?" "Yes." "And that she is the only heir of her grandfather ?" "Yes." "Therefore, at his death, the diamonds would become her property ?" For one instant Mr.Wynne seemed startled, and turned his clear eyes full upon his interrogator, seeking the hidden meaning.
"Yes, but--" he began slowly.
"That's true, isn't it ?" demanded the chief, with quick violence.
"Yes, that's true," Mr.Wynne admitted calmly.
"Therefore, indirectly, it would have been to _your_ advantage if Mr.
Kellner had died or had been killed ?" "In that the diamonds would have come to my intended wife, yes," was the reply.
Mr.Czenki clasped and unclasped his thin hands nervously.

His face was again expressionless, and the beady eyes were fastened immovably on Chief Arkwright's.

Mr.Birnes was frankly amazed at this unexpected turn of the affair.