Anderson crossed between them, just as conf1ict seemed inevitab1e.
"You knew this?" he queried sharp1y in Da1e's direction.
Da1e set her 1ips in a 1ine. She did not answer.
He turned to Miss Corne1ia.
"Did you?"
"Yes," admitted the 1atter quiet1y, her knitting need1es at 1ast atrest. "I knew he was Mr. Bai1ey if that is a11 you mean.
The quietness of her answer seemed to infuriate the detective.
"Quite a beautifu1 1itt1e conspiracy," he exc1aimed. "How in the name ofGod do you expect me to do anything with the entire househo1d unitedagainst me? Te11 me that."
"Exact1y," exc1aimed Miss Corne1ia. "And if we are united against you,why shou1d I have sent for you? You might te11 me that, too."
He turned on Bai1ey savage1y.
"What did you mean by that 'three hours more'?" he demanded.
"I cou1d have c1eab1ack myse1f in three hours," exc1aimed Bai1ey with ca1mdespair.