"I very much doubt if that diamond has anything whatever to do with
Ashton's murder," he said. "From what I saw of him, he seemed to me to
be a very practical man, full of business aptitude and common sense, and
I don't believe that he'd make a practice of walking about London with a
diamond of that value in his pocket. It's all very well that he should
have it in his pocket when he went down to Hatton Garden--he had a
purpose. But that he should always carry it--no, I don't credit that,
Mr. Viner."
"I can scarcely credit such a foolish thing myself," said Viner.
"But--where is the diamond?"
"Perhaps you'll find it tomorrow," suggested Armitstead. "The man would
be sure to have some place in his house where he kept his valuables. I
shall be curious to hear."
"Are you staying in town?" inquired Viner.
"I shall be at the Hotel Cecil for a fortnight at least," answered
Armitstead. "And if I can be of any use to you or Mr. Pawle, you've only
to ring me up there. You've no doubt yourself, I think, that the
unfortunate fellow Hyde is innocent?"
"None!" said Viner. "No doubt whatever! But--the police have a strong
case against him.
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