Chapter 43

“Where did you put the sword-stick, on your return?” “In the hall, with my others.” “And it disappeared from there?” There must have been a slight delay, a slower reaction to that question. “It disappeared. Yes.” “Just when?” “I don’t know. I was ill at the time.” “How did you learn that it was gone?” “I had gone into the hall to call Amos. I looked down, and it was not there.” “You didn’t ask Amos about it?” “I don’t recall. I think possibly I did.” “And he said it was missing?” “That’s the way I remember it.” “No…