Why had Beresford's manner changed so, and what was he saying to Billy now?
"Tell the gardener Miss Van Gorder wants him and don't say we're all here," the young lawyer commanded the butler sharply.

Billy nodded and disappeared.

Miss Cornelia's back began to stiffen--she didn't like other people ordering her servants around like that.
The detective, apparently, had somewhat of the same feeling.
"I seem to have plenty of help in this case!" he said with obvious sarcasm, turning to Beresford.
The latter made no reply.

Dale rose anxiously from her chair, her lips quivering.
"Why have you sent for the gardener ?" she inquired haltingly.
Beresford deigned to answer at last.
"I'll tell you that in a moment," he said with a grim tightening of his lips.
There was a fateful pause, for an instant, while Dale roved nervously from one side of the room to the other.

Then Jack Bailey came into the room--alone.
He seemed to sense danger in the air.