knew.

Father Bright saw Lord Darcy come in through the door at the far end
of the hall. He murmured a polite excuse and rose. The other three
accepted his excuses with the same politeness and went on with their
talk. Father Bright met Lord Darcy in the hall.

"Did you find what you were looking for, Lord Darcy?" the priest asked
in a low tone.

"Yes," Lord Darcy said. "I'm afraid we shall have to arrest Laird
Duncan."

"Murder?"

"Perhaps. I'm not yet certain of that. But the charge will be black
magic. He has all the paraphernalia in a chest in his room. Master
Sean reports that a ritual was enacted in the bedroom last night. Of
course, that's out of my jurisdiction. You, as a representative of the
Church, will have to be the arresting officer." He paused. "You don't
seem surprised, Reverence."

"I'm not," Father Bright admitted. "I felt it. You and Master Sean
will have to make out a sworn deposition before I can act."

"I understand. Can you do me a favor?"

"If I can."

"Get my lady the Countess out of the room on some pretext or other.
Leave me alone with her guests. I do not wish to upset my lady any
more than absolutely necessary."

"I think I can do that. Shall we go in together?"

"Why not? But don't mention why I am here. Let them assume I am just
another guest."

"Very well."

* * * * *

All three occupants of the room glanced up as Father Bright came in
with Lord Darcy. The introductions were made: Lord Darcy humbly begged
the pardon of his hostess for his lateness. Father Bright noticed the
same sad smile on Lord Darcy's handsome face as the others were
wearing.

Lord Darcy helped himself from the buffet table and allowed the
Countess to pour him a large cup of hot tea. He mentioned nothing
about the recent death. Instead, he turned the conversation toward the
wild beauty of Scotland and the excellence of the grouse shooting
there.

Father Bright had not sat down again. Instead, he left the room once
more. When he returned, he went directly to the Countess and said, in
a low, but clearly audible voice: "My lady, Sir Pierre Morlaix has
informed me that there are a few matters that require your attention
immediately. It will require only a few moments."

My lady the Countess did not hesitate, but made her excuses
immediately. "Do finish your tea," she added. "I don't think I shall
be long."

Lord Darcy knew the priest would not lie, and he wondered