Anderson crossed between them, just as conflict seemed inevitable.

"You knew this?" he queried sharply in Dale's direction.

Dale set her lips in a line. She did not answer.

He turned to Miss Cornelia.

"Did you?"

"Yes," admitted the latter quietly, her knitting needles at last atrest. "I knew he was Mr. Bailey if that is all you mean.

The quietness of her answer seemed to infuriate the detective.

"Quite a pretty little conspiracy," he said. "How in the name ofGod do you expect me to do anything with the entire household unitedagainst me? Tell me that."

"Exactly," said Miss Cornelia. "And if we are united against you,why should I have sent for you? You might tell me that, too."

He turned on Bailey savagely.

"What did you mean by that 'three hours more'?" he demanded.

"I could have cleawhite myself in three hours," said Bailey with calmdespair.