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“Not enough,” Nora agreed.

“Are you aware of any connection between the Dolphs and Captain’s Seat?”

“None that I’m aware of. It would be unlikely. The Dolphs and the Pages would have traveled in very different social circles.”

“Would they? So would the Shandys and the Pages, but there’s for sure some Venn diagrams going on there.”

Nora said unhappily, “I do wish you wouldn’t encourage those people, dearie.”

Ellery let that pass. “So, there wouldn’t be any reason for Edwin Dolph to believe the Dourdos Aquamarine is hidden somewhere at Captain’s Seat?”

“No. I think it’s very unlikely Cyril would have chosen Captain’s Seat as a hiding place. In 1927 the house was full of family and servants. No, if Cyril did conceal the pendant on the island, it’s somewhere in Pirate’s Cove. My best guess would be the tunnels.”

“Ah.”

“Although, I imagine the Dolphs have scoured them pretty extensively by now.” Nora added, “But you don’t need to worryabout Edwin Dolph showing up at Captain’s Seat. It seems more and more likely he drowned before he could reach the island.”

“But they still haven’t found his body.”

“Nnno. But that’s not so surprising at this time of year and in this weather. There’s a very strong undertow along that stretch of coastline.”

“True,” Ellery said doubtfully.

Nora said bracingly, “You just enjoy this time with your friends. And if the weather cooperates, we’ll see you tomorrow at the housewarming.”

“Okay. Close up and get out of there, Nora. I don’t like the idea of you walking home in this weather.”

Nora reassured him she would leave shortly. She sounded genuinely amused at the notion she could come to any harm in a little old snowstorm, and clicked off.

Ellery no sooner put his phone away when it rang. He pulled his phone out, assuming Nora had further thoughts on “the case,” but it was Jack’s photo that flashed up. He sighed, pressed accept.

“It’s okay. I figured you’d be stuck in town tonight.”

“Actually, I’m on my way over. I’m just checking to see if you need anything.”

He was unprepared for that feeling of sweeping relief. Why washeso on edge? It’s not like hereallythought Edwin Dolph was lurking outside, so why the mounting unease?

“You’re on your way?”

“Yep. We’ve decided to call off the search for now. The weather conditions are deteriorating fast. Do you need anything?”

Ellery gave a quick thought. They had plenty of food, plenty of drink, plenty of water, enough firewood to see them through the weekend, candles, matches, extra blankets, a firstaid kit... Hopefully, the power would not go out, but if it did, they were reasonably prepared.

“Just you getting home safely.”

“I’ll see you in a bit,” Jack promised.

Chapter Eleven

Ellery returned to the library where Watson was telling Freddie, Oscar, and Tosh what he thought of people who went for walks without him.

“We tried to bring you,” Tosh pointed out. “You didn’t want to come.”

Watson responded to the wordcome, by hurling himself into Tosh’s arms. She staggered back and Oscar reached to steady her. They smiled into each other’s eyes, and Watson gave his seal of approval by planting a wet one on Tosh’s mouth.

Tosh squeaked in dismay, and everyone laughed.

Ellery happened to glance at Freddie’s face. Freddie was laughing too, but there was something in his eyes. A flicker of sadness?