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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Secret Passage, by Fergus Hume
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Secret Passage
+
+Author: Fergus Hume
+
+Posting Date: January 26, 2009 [EBook #4531]
+Release Date: October, 2003
+First Posted: February 2, 2002
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SECRET PASSAGE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by an anonymous volunteer.  HTML version by Al Haines.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE SECRET PASSAGE
+
+
+by
+
+Fergus Hume
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER
+
+     I.  THE COTTAGE
+    II.  THE CRIME
+   III.  A MYSTERIOUS DEATH
+    IV.  DETAILS
+     V.  LORD CARANBY'S ROMANCE
+    VI.  A PERPLEXING CASE
+   VII.  THE DETECTIVE
+  VIII.  THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE
+    IX.  ANOTHER MYSTERY
+     X.  THE PARLOR-MAID'S STORY
+    XI.  ON THE TRACK
+   XII.  JENNINGS ASKS QUESTIONS
+  XIII.  JULIET AT BAY
+   XIV.  MRS. OCTAGON EXPLAINS
+    XV.  A DANGEROUS ADMISSION
+   XVI.  JULIET'S STORY
+  XVII.  JULIET'S STORY CONTINUED
+ XVIII.  THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS
+   XIX.  SUSAN'S DISCOVERY
+    XX.  BASIL
+   XXI.  AN EXPERIMENT
+  XXII.  THE SECRET ENTRANCE
+ XXIII.  A SCAMP'S HISTORY
+  XXIV.  REVENGE
+   XXV.   NEMESIS
+  XXVI.  CUTHBERT'S ENEMY
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE SECRET PASSAGE
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE COTTAGE
+
+
+"What IS your name?"
+
+"Susan Grant, Miss Loach."
+
+"Call me ma'am.  I am Miss Loach only to my equals.  Your age?"
+
+"Twenty-five, ma'am."
+
+"Do you know your work as parlor-maid thoroughly?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am.  I was two years in one place and six months in another,
+ma'am.  Here are my characters from both places, ma'am."
+
+As the girl spoke she laid two papers before the sharp old lady who
+questioned her.  But Miss Loach did not look at them immediately.  She
+examined the applicant with such close attention that a faint color
+tinted the girl's cheeks and she dropped her eyes.  But, in her turn,
+by stealthy glances, Susan Grant tactfully managed to acquaint herself
+with the looks of her possible mistress.  The thoughts of each woman
+ran as follows,--
+
+Miss Loach to herself.  "Humph!  Plain-looking, sallow skin, rather
+fine eyes and a slack mouth.  Not badly dressed for a servant, and
+displays some taste.  She might turn my old dresses at a pinch.  Sad
+expression, as though she had something on her mind.  Honest-looking,
+but I think a trifle inquisitive, seeing how she examined the room and
+is stealing glances at me.  Talks sufficiently, but in a low voice.
+Fairly intelligent, but not too much so.  Might be secretive. Humph!"
+
+The thoughts of Susan Grant.  "Handsome old lady, probably nearly
+sixty.  Funny dress for ten o'clock in the morning. She must be rich,
+to wear purple silk and old lace and lovely rings at this hour.  A hard
+mouth, thin nose, very white hair and very black eyebrows.  Got a
+temper I should say, and is likely to prove an exacting mistress.  But
+I want a quiet home, and the salary is good.  I'll try it, if she'll
+take me."
+
+Had either mistress or maid known of each other's thoughts, a
+conclusion to do business might not have been arrived at.  As it was,
+Miss Loach, after a few more questions, appeared satisfied.  All the
+time she kept a pair of very black eyes piercingly fixed on the girl's
+face, as though she would read her very soul.  But Susan had nothing to
+conceal, so far as Miss Loach could gather, so in the end she resolved
+to engage her.
+
+"I think you'll do," she said nodding, and poking up the fire, with a
+shiver, although the month was June.  "The situation is a quiet one.  I
+hope you have no followers."
+
+"No, ma'am," said Susan and flushed crimson.
+
+"Ha!" thought Miss Loach, "she has been in love--jilted probably.  All
+the better, as she won't bring any young men about my quiet house."
+
+"Will you not read my characters, ma'am?"
+
+Miss Loach pushed the two papers towards the applicant.  "I judge for
+myself," said she calmly.  "Most characters I read are full of lies.
+Your looks are enough for me.  Where were you last?"
+
+"With a Spanish lady, ma'am!"
+
+"A Spanish lady!"  Miss Loach dropped the poker she was holding, with a
+clatter, and frowned so deeply that her black eyebrows met over her
+high nose.  "And her name?"
+
+"Senora Gredos, ma'am!"
+
+The eyes of the old maid glittered, and she made a clutch at her breast
+as though the reply had taken away her breath. "Why did you leave?" she
+asked, regaining her composure.
+
+Susan looked uncomfortable.  "I thought the house was too gay, ma'am."
+
+"What do you mean by that?  Can any house be too gay for a girl of your
+years?"
+
+"I have been well brought up, ma'am," said Susan quietly; "and my
+religious principles are dear to me.  Although she is an invalid,
+ma'am, Senora Gredos was very gay.  Many people came to her house and
+played cards, even on Sunday," added Susan under her breath.  But low
+as she spoke, Miss Loach heard.
+
+"I have whist parties here frequently," she said drily; "nearly every
+evening four friends of mine call to play.  Have you any objection to
+enter my service on that account?"
+
+"Oh, no, ma'am.  I don't mind a game of cards.  I play 'Patience'
+myself when alone.  I mean gambling--there was a lot of money lost and
+won at Senora Gredos' house!"
+
+"Yet she is an invalid I think you said?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am.  She was a dancer, I believe, and fell in some way, so as
+to break her leg or hurt her back.  She has been lying on a couch for
+two years unable to move.  Yet she has herself wheeled into the
+drawing-room and watches the gentlemen play cards.  She plays herself
+sometimes!"
+
+Miss Loach again directed one of her piercing looks at the pale face of
+the girl.  "You are too inquisitive and too talkative," she said
+suddenly, "therefore you won't suit me. Good-day."
+
+Susan was quite taken aback.  "Oh, ma'am, I hope I've said nothing
+wrong.  I only answered your questions."
+
+"You evidently take note of everything you see, and talk about it."
+
+"No, ma'am," said the girl earnestly.  "I really hold my tongue."
+
+"When it suits you," retorted Miss Loach.  "Hold it now and let me
+think!"
+
+While Miss Loach, staring frowningly into the fire, debated inwardly as
+to the advisability of engaging the girl, Susan looked timidly round
+the room.  Curiously enough, it was placed in the basement of the
+cottage, and was therefore below the level of the garden.  Two fairly
+large windows looked on to the area, which had been roofed with glass
+and turned into a conservatory.  Here appeared scarlet geraniums and
+other bright-hued flowers, interspersed with ferns and delicate
+grasses.  Owing to the position of the room and the presence of the
+glass roof, only a subdued light filtered into the place, but, as the
+day was brilliant with sunshine, the apartment was fairly well
+illuminated.  Still, on a cloudy day, Susan could imagine how dull it
+would be.  In winter time the room must be perfectly dark.
+
+It was luxuriously furnished, in red and gold.  The carpet and curtains
+were of bright scarlet, threaded with gold.  The furniture, strangely
+enough, was of white polished wood upholstered in crimson satin fringed
+with gold.  There were many pictures in large gilded frames and many
+mirrors similarly encircled with gilded wood.  The grate, fender and
+fire-irons were of polished brass, and round the walls were numerous
+electric lamps with yellow shades.  The whole room represented a
+bizarre appearance, flamboyant and rather tropical in looks.
+Apparently Miss Loach was fond of vivid colors.  There was no piano,
+nor were there books or papers, and the only evidence as to how Miss
+Loach passed her time revealed itself in a work-basket and a pack of
+cards.  Yet, at her age, Susan thought that needlework would be rather
+trying, even though she wore no glasses and her eyes seemed bright and
+keen.  She was an odd old lady and appeared to be rich.  "I'll engage
+you," said Miss Loach abruptly; "get your box and be here before five
+o'clock this afternoon.  I am expecting some friends at eight o'clock.
+You must be ready to admit them. Now go!"
+
+"But, ma'am, I--"
+
+"In this house," interrupted Miss Loach imperiously, "no one speaks to
+me, unless spoken to by me.  You understand!"
+
+"Yes, ma'am," replied Susan timidly, and obeyed the finger which
+pointed to the door.  Miss Loach listened to the girl's footsteps on
+the stairs, and sat down when she heard the front door close.  But she
+was up again almost in a moment and pacing the room.  Apparently the
+conversation with Susan Grant afforded her food for reflection.  And
+not very palatable food either, judging from her expression.
+
+The newly-engaged servant returned that same afternoon to the suburban
+station, which tapped the district of Rexton.  A trunk, a bandbox and a
+bag formed her humble belongings, and she arranged with a porter that
+these should be wheeled in a barrow to Rose Cottage, as Miss Loach's
+abode was primly called.  Having come to terms, Susan left the station
+and set out to walk to the place.  Apart from the fact that she saved a
+cab fare, she wished to obtain some idea of her surroundings, and
+therefore did not hurry herself.
+
+It was a bright June day with a warm green earth basking under a blue
+and cloudless sky.  But even the sunshine could not render Rexton
+beautiful.  It stretched out on all sides from the station new and raw.
+The roads were finished, with asphalt footpaths and stone curbing, the
+lamp-posts had apparently only been lately erected, and lines of white
+fences divided the roads from gardens yet in their infancy.  Fronting
+these were damp-looking red brick villas, belonging to small clerks and
+petty tradesmen.  Down one street was a row of shops filled with the
+necessaries of civilization; and round the corner, an aggressively new
+church of yellow brick with a tin roof and a wooden steeple stood in
+the middle of an untilled space.  At the end of one street a glimpse
+could be caught of the waste country beyond, not yet claimed by the
+ferry-builder.  A railway embankment bulked against the horizon, and
+closed the view in an unsightly manner.  Rexton was as ugly as it was
+new.
+
+Losing her way, Susan came to the ragged fringe of country environing
+the new suburb, and paused there, to take in her surroundings.  Across
+the fields to the left she saw an unfinished mansion, large and
+stately, rising amidst a forest of pines.  This was girdled by a high
+brick wall which looked older than the suburb itself.  Remembering that
+she had seen this house behind the cottage of Miss Loach, the girl used
+it as a landmark, and turning down a side street managed to find the
+top of a crooked lane at the bottom of which Rose Cottage was situated.
+This lane showed by its very crookedness that it belonged to the
+ancient civilization of the district.  Here were no paths, no lamps, no
+aggressively new fences and raw brick houses.  Susan, stepping down the
+slight incline, passed into quite an old world, smacking of the
+Georgian times, leisurely and quaint.  On either side of the lane,
+old-fashioned cottages, with whitewash walls and thatched roofs, stood
+amidst gardens filled with unclipped greenery and homely flowers.
+Quickset hedges, ragged and untrimmed, divided these from the roadway,
+and to add to the rural look one garden possessed straw bee-hives.
+Here and there rose ancient elm-trees and grass grew in the roadway.
+It was a blind lane and terminated in a hedge, which bordered a field
+of corn.  To the left was a narrow path running between hedges past the
+cottages and into the country.
+
+Miss Loach's house was a mixture of old and new.  Formerly it had been
+an unpretentious cottage like the others, but she had added a new wing
+of red brick built in the most approved style of the jerry-builder, and
+looking like the villas in the more modern parts of Rexton.  The
+crabbed age and the uncultured youth of the old and new portions,
+planted together cheek by jowl, appeared like ill-coupled clogs and
+quite out of harmony.  The thatched and tiled roofs did not seem meet
+neighbors, and the whitewash walls of the old-world cottage looked
+dingy beside the glaring redness of the new villa.  The front door in
+the new part was reached by a flight of dazzling white steps.  From
+this, a veranda ran across the front of the cottage, its rustic posts
+supporting rose-trees and ivy.  On the cottage side appeared an old
+garden, but the new wing was surrounded by lawns and decorated with
+carpet bedding.  A gravel walk divided the old from the new, and
+intersected the garden.  At the back, Susan noted again the high brick
+wall surrounding the half-completed mansion.  Above this rose tall
+trees, and the wall itself was overgrown with ivy.  It apparently was
+old and concealed an unfinished palace of the sleeping beauty, so
+ragged and wild appeared the growth which peeped over the guardian wall.
+
+With a quickness of perception unusual in her class, Susan took all
+this in, then rang the bell.  There was no back door, so far as she
+could see, and she thought it best to enter as she had done in the
+morning.  But the large fat woman who opened the door gave her to
+understand that she had taken a liberty.
+
+"Of course this morning and before engaging, you were a lady," said the
+cook, hustling the girl into the hall, "but now being the housemaid,
+Miss Loach won't be pleased at your touching the front bell."
+
+"I did not see any other entrance," protested Susan.
+
+"Ah," said the cook, leading the way down a few steps into the thatched
+cottage, which, it appeared was the servants' quarters, "you looked
+down the area as is natural-like.  But there ain't none, it being a
+conservitery!"
+
+"Why does Miss Loach live in the basement?" asked Susan, on being shown
+into a comfortable room which answered the purpose of a servants' hall.
+
+The cook resented this question.  "Ah!" said she with a snort, "and why
+does a miller wear a white 'at, Miss Grant, that being your name I take
+it.  Don't you ask no questions but if you must know, Miss Loach have
+weak eyes and don't like glare. She lives like a rabbit in a burrow,
+and though the rooms on the ground floor are sich as the King might
+in'abit, she don't come up often save to eat.  She lives in the
+basement room where you saw her, Miss Grant, and she sleeps in the room
+orf. When she eats, the dining-room above is at her service.  An' I
+don't see why she shouldn't," snorted the cook.
+
+"I don't mean any--"
+
+"No offence being given none is taken," interrupted cook, who seemed
+fond of hearing her own wheezy voice.  "Emily Pill's my name, and I
+ain't ashamed of it, me having been cook to Miss Loach for years an'
+years and years.  But if you had wished to behave like a servant, as
+you are," added she with emphasis, "why didn't you run round by the
+veranda and so get to the back where the kitchen is.  But you're one of
+the new class of servants, Miss Grant, 'aughty and upsetting."
+
+"I know my place," said Susan, taking off her hat.
+
+"And I know mine," said Emily Pill, "me being cook and consequently the
+mistress of this servants' 'all.  An' I'm an old-fashioned servant
+myself, plain in my 'abits and dress." This with a disparaging look at
+the rather smart costume of the newly-arrived housemaid.  "I don't 'old
+with cockes feathers and fal-de-dals on 'umble folk myself, not but
+what I could afford 'em if I liked, being of saving 'abits and a
+receiver of good wages.  But I'm a friendly pusson and not 'ard on a
+good-lookin' gal, not that you are what I call 'andsome."
+
+Susan seated beside the table, looked weary and forlorn, and the
+good-natured heart of the cook was touched, especially when Susan
+requested her to refrain from the stiff name of Miss Grant.
+
+"You an' me will be good friends, I've no doubt," said Emily, "an' you
+can call me Mrs. Pill, that being the name of my late 'usband, who died
+of gin in excess.  The other servants is housemaid and page, though to
+be sure he's more of a man-of-all-work, being forty if he's a day, and
+likewise coachman, when he drives out Miss Loach in her donkey
+carriage.  Thomas is his name, my love."  The cook was rapidly becoming
+more and more friendly, "and the housemaid is called Geraldine, for
+which 'eaven forgives her parents, she bein' spotty and un'ealthy and
+by no means a Bow-Bell's 'eroine, which 'er name makes you think of.
+But there's a dear, I'm talking brilliant, when you're dying for a cup
+of tea, and need to get your box unpacked, by which I mean that I sees
+the porter with the barrer."
+
+The newly-arrived parlor-maid was pleased by this friendly if
+ungrammatical reception, and thought she would like the cook in spite
+of her somewhat tiresome tongue.  For the next hour she was unpacking
+her box and arranging a pleasant little room at the back.  She shared
+this with the spotty Geraldine, who seemed to be a good-natured girl.
+Apparently Miss Loach looked after her servants and made them
+comfortable.  Thomas proved to be amiable if somewhat stupid, and
+welcomed Susan to tea affably but with sheepish looks.  As the servants
+seemed pleasant, the house comfortable, and as the salary was
+excellent, Susan concluded that she had--as the saying is--fallen on
+her feet.
+
+The quartette had tea in the servants' hall, and there was plenty of
+well-cooked if plain victuals.  Miss Loach dined at half-past six and
+Susan assumed her dress and cap.  She laid the table in a handsome
+dining-room, equally as garish in color as the apartment below.  The
+table appointments were elegant, and Mrs. Pill served a nice little
+meal to which Miss Loach did full justice.  She wore the same purple
+dress, but with the addition of more jewellery.  Her sharp eyes
+followed Susan about the room as she waited, and at the end of the
+dinner she made her first observation.  "You know your work I see," she
+said.  "I hope you will be happy here!"
+
+"I think I will, ma'am," said Susan, with a faint sigh.
+
+"You have had trouble?" asked Miss Loach quickly.
+
+"Yes, ma'am!"
+
+"You must tell me about it to-morrow," said the old lady rising.  "I
+like to gain the confidence of my servants.  Now bring my coffee to the
+room below.  At eight, three people will arrive--a lady and two
+gentlemen.  You will show them into the sitting-room and put out the
+card-table.  Then you can go to the kitchen and wait till I ring.  Be
+sure you don't come till I do ring," and Miss Loach emphasized this
+last order with a flash of her brilliant eyes.
+
+Susan took the coffee to the sitting-room in the basement and then
+cleared the table.  Shortly before eight o'clock there was a ring at
+the front door.  She opened it to a tall lady, with gray hair, who
+leaned on an ebony cane.  With her were two men, one a rather rough
+foolish-looking fellow, and the other tall, dark, and well-dressed in
+an evening suit.  A carriage was just driving away from the gate.  As
+the tall lady entered, a breath of strong perfume saluted Susan's
+nostrils.  The girl started and peered into the visitor's face.  When
+she returned to the kitchen her own was as white as chalk.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE CRIME
+
+
+The kitchen was rather spacious, and as neat and clean as the busy
+hands of Mrs. Pill could make it.  An excellent range polished to
+excess occupied one end of the room; a dresser with blue and white
+china adorned the other.  On the outside wall copper pots and pans,
+glittering redly in the firelight, were ranged in a shining row.
+Opposite this wall, a door led into the interior of the house, and in
+it was the outer entrance.  A large deal table stood in the center of
+the room, and at this with their chairs drawn up, Geraldine and the
+cook worked.  The former was trimming a picture-hat of the cheapest and
+most flamboyant style, and the latter darned a coarse white stocking
+intended for her own use.  By the fire sat Thomas, fair-haired and
+stupid in looks, who read tit-bits from the Daily Mail for the
+delectation of Mrs. Pill and Geraldine.
+
+"Gracious 'eavens, Susan," cried the cook, when Susan returned, after
+admitting the visitors, "whatever's come to you?"
+
+"I've had a turn," said Susan faintly, sitting by the fire and rubbing
+her white cheeks.
+
+At once Mrs. Pill was alive with curiosity.  She questioned the new
+parlor-maid closely, but was unable to extract information.  Susan
+simply said that she had a weak heart, and set down her wan appearance
+to the heat.  "An' on that accounts you sits by the fire," said Mrs.
+Pill scathingly. "You're one of the secret ones you are.  Well, it
+ain't no business of mine, thank 'eaven, me being above board in
+everythink.  I 'spose the usual lot arrived, Susan?"
+
+"Two gentlemen and a lady," replied Susan, glad to see that the cooks
+thoughts were turning in another direction.
+
+"Gentlemen!" snorted Mrs. Pill, "that Clancy one ain't.  Why the missus
+should hobnob with sich as he, I don't know nohow."
+
+"Ah, but the other's a real masher," chimed in Geraldine, looking up
+from her millinery; "such black eyes, that go through you like a
+gimlet, and such a lovely moustache.  He dresses elegant too."
+
+"Being Miss Loach's lawyer, he have a right to dress well," said Mrs.
+Pill, rubbing her nose with the stocking, "and Mr. Clancy, I thinks, is
+someone Mr. Jarvey Hale's helpin', he being good and kind."
+
+Here Geraldine gave unexpected information.
+
+"He's a client of Mr. Hale's," she said indistinctly, with her mouth
+full of pins, "and has come in for a lot of money.  Mr. Hale's
+introducing him into good society, to make a gent of him."
+
+"Silk purses can't be made out of sows' ears," growled the cook, "an'
+who told you all this Geraldine?"
+
+"Miss Loach herself, at different times."
+
+Susan thought it was strange that a lady should gossip to this extent
+with her housemaid, but she did not take much interest in the
+conversation, being occupied with her own sad thoughts. But the next
+remark of Geraldine made her start.  "Mr. Clancy's father was a
+carpenter," said the girl.
+
+"My father was a carpenter," remarked Susan, sadly.
+
+"Ah," cried Mrs. Pill with alacrity, "now you're speaking sense.  Ain't
+he alive?"
+
+"No.  He was poisoned!"
+
+The three servants, having the love of horrors peculiar to the lower
+classes, looked up with interest.  "Lor!" said Thomas, speaking for the
+first time and in a thick voice, "who poisoned him?"
+
+"No one knows.  He died five years ago, and left mother with me and
+four little brothers to bring up.  They're all doing well now, though,
+and I help mother, as they do.  They didn't want me to go out to
+service, you know," added Susan, warming on finding sympathetic
+listeners.  "I could have stopped at home with mother in Stepney, but I
+did not want to be idle, and took a situation with a widow lady at
+Hampstead.  I stopped there a year.  Then she died and I went as
+parlor-maid to a Senora Gredos.  I was only there six months," and she
+sighed.
+
+"Why did you leave?" asked Geraldine.
+
+Susan grew red.  "I wished for a change," she said curtly.
+
+But the housemaid did not believe her.  She was a sharp girl and her
+feelings were not refined.  "It's just like these men--"
+
+"I said nothing about men," interrupted Susan, sharply.
+
+"Well, then, a man.  You've been in love, Susan, and--"
+
+"No.  I am not in love," and Susan colored more than ever.
+
+"Why, it's as plain as cook that you are, now," tittered Geraldine.
+
+"Hold your noise and leave the gal be," said Mrs. Pill, offended by the
+allusion to her looks, "if she's in love she ain't married, and no more
+she ought to be; if she'd had a husband like mine, who drank every day
+in the week and lived on my earnings.  He's dead now, an' I gave 'im a
+'andsome tombstone with the text: 'Go thou and do likewise' on it,
+being a short remark, lead letterin' being expensive.  Ah well, as I
+allays say, 'Flesh is grass with us all.'"
+
+While the cook maundered on Thomas sat with his dull eyes fixed on the
+flushed face of Susan.  "What about the poisoning?" he demanded.
+
+"It was this way," said Susan.  "Father was working at some house in
+these parts--"
+
+"What! Down here?"
+
+"Yes, at Rexton, which was then just rising into notice as a place for
+gentlefolks.  He had just finished with a house when he came home one
+day with his wages.  He was taken ill and died.  The doctor said he had
+taken poison, and he died of it. Arsenic it was," explained Susan to
+her horrified audience.
+
+"But why did he poison himself?" asked Geraldine.
+
+"I don't know: no one knew.  He was gettin' good wages, and said he
+would make us all rich."
+
+"Ah," chimed in Thomas suddenly, "in what way, Susan?"
+
+"He had a scheme to make our fortunes.  What it was, I don't know.  But
+he said he would soon be worth plenty of money. Mother thought someone
+must have poisoned him, but she could not find out.  As we had a lot of
+trouble then, it was thought father had killed himself to escape it,
+but I know better.  If he had lived, we should have been rich.  He was
+on an extra job down here," she ended.
+
+"What was the extra job?" asked Thomas curiously.
+
+Susan shook her head.  "Mother never found out.  She went to the house
+he worked on, which is near the station.  They said father always went
+away for three hours every afternoon by an arrangement with the
+foreman.  Where he went, no one knew.  He came straight from this extra
+job home and died of poison. Mother thought," added Susan, looking
+round cautiously, "that someone must have had a wish to get rid of
+father, he knowing too much."
+
+"Too much of what, my gal?" asked Mrs. Pill, with open mouth.
+
+"Ah!  That's what I'd like to find out," said Susan garrulously, "but
+nothing was ever known, and father was buried as a suicide.  Then
+mother, having me and my four brothers, married again, and I took the
+name of her new husband."
+
+"Then your name ain't really Grant?" asked Geraldine.
+
+"No!  It's Maxwell, father being Scotch and a clever workman. Susan
+Maxwell is my name, but after the suicide--if it was one--mother felt
+the disgrace so, that she made us all call ourselves Grant.  So Susan
+Grant I am, and my brothers of the old family are Grant also."
+
+"What do you mean by the old family?"
+
+"Mother has three children by her second husband, and that's the new
+family," explained Susan, "but we are all Grants, though me and my four
+brothers are really Maxwells.  But there," she said, looking round
+quietly and rather pleased at the interest with which she was regarded,
+"I've told you a lot.  Tell me something!"
+
+Mrs. Pill was unwilling to leave the fascinating subject of suicide,
+but her desire to talk got the better of her, and she launched into a
+long account of her married life.  It seemed she had buried the late
+Mr. Pill ten years before, and since that time had been with Miss Loach
+as cook.  She had saved money and could leave service at once, if she
+so chose.  "But I should never be happy out of my kitchen, my love,"
+said Mrs. Pill, biting a piece of darning-cotton, "so here I stay till
+missus goes under."
+
+"And she won't do that for a long time," said Thomas.  "Missus is
+strong.  A good, kind, healthy lady."
+
+Geraldine followed with an account of herself, which related chiefly to
+her good looks and many lovers, and the tyranny of mistresses.  "I will
+say, however, that after being here a year, I have nothing to complain
+of."
+
+"I should think not," grunted Thomas.  "I've been twenty years with
+Miss Loach, and a good 'un she is.  I entered her service when I was
+fifteen, and she could have married an earl--Lord Caranby wanted to
+marry her--but she wouldn't."
+
+"Lor," said Mrs. Pill, "and ain't that his lordship's nephew who comes
+here at times?"
+
+"Mr. Mallow?  Yes!  That's him.  He's fond of the old lady."
+
+"And fond of her niece, too," giggled Geraldine; "not but what Miss
+Saxon is rather sweet."
+
+"Rather sweet," growled the cook, "why, she's a lovely gal, sich as
+you'll never be, in spite of your fine name.  An' her brother, Mr.
+Basil, is near as 'andsome as she."
+
+"He ain't got the go about him Miss Juliet have," said Thomas.
+
+"A lot you know," was the cook's retort.  "Why Mr. Basil quarrelled
+with missus a week ago and gave her proper, and missus ain't no easy
+person to fight with, as I knows.  Mr. Basil left the house and ain't
+been near since."
+
+"He's a fool, then," said Thomas.  "Missus won't leave him a penny."
+
+"She'll leave it to Miss Juliet Saxon, which is just the same. I never
+did see brother and sister so fond of one another as those two.  I
+believe she'd put the 'air of 'er head--and lovely 'air it is,
+too--under his blessed feet to show him she loves him."
+
+"She'd do the same by Mr. Mallow," said Geraldine, tittering.
+
+Here Susan interrupted.  "Who is the old lady who comes here?"
+
+"Oh, she's Mrs. Herne," said the cook.  "A cross, 'aughty old thing,
+who fights always.  She's been coming here with Mr. Jarvey Hale and Mr.
+Clancy for the last three years.  They play whist every evening and go
+away regular about ten. Missus let's 'em out themselves or else rings
+for me.  Why, there's the bell now," and Mrs. Pill rose.
+
+"No!  I go," said Susan, rising also.  "Miss Loach told me to come when
+she rang."
+
+Mrs. Pill nodded and resumed her seat and her darning.  "Lor bless you,
+my love, I ain't jealous," she said.  "My legs ain't as young as they
+was.  'Urry, my dear, missus is a bad 'un to be kept waitin'."
+
+Thus urged, Susan hastened to the front part of the house and down the
+stairs.  The door of the sitting-room was open.  She knocked and
+entered, to find Mr. Clancy, who looked rougher and more foolish than
+ever, standing by the table.  Miss Loach, with a pack of cards on her
+lap, was talking, and Susan heard the concluding sentence as she
+entered the room.
+
+"You're a fool, Clancy," said Miss Loach, emphatically.  "You know Mrs.
+Herne doesn't like to be contradicted.  You've sent her away in a fine
+rage, and she's taken Hale with her.  Quite spoilt our game of--ah,
+here's Susan.  Off with you, Clancy. I wish to be alone."
+
+The man would have spoken, but Miss Loach silenced him with a sharp
+gesture and pointed to the door.  In silence he went upstairs with
+Susan, and in silence left the house.  It was a fine night, and Susan
+stopped for a moment at the door to drink in the fresh air.  She heard
+the heavy footsteps of a policeman draw near and he passed the house,
+to disappear into the path on the opposite side of the road.  When
+Susan returned to the kitchen she found supper ready.  Soon the
+servants were seated at the table and talking brightly.
+
+"Who does that house at the back belong to?" asked Susan.
+
+"To Lord Caranby," said Thomas, although not directly addressed.  "It's
+unfinished."
+
+"Yes and shut up.  Lord Caranby was in love with a lady and built that
+house for her.  Before it was ready the lady died and Lord Caranby left
+the house as it was and built a high wall round it.  He then went
+travelling and has been travelling ever since.  He never married
+either, and his nephew, Mr. Cuthbert Mallow, is heir to the title."
+
+"I thought you said Lord Caranby loved Miss Loach?"
+
+"No, I didn't.  I said she could have married him had she played her
+cards properly.  But she didn't, and Lord Caranby went away.  The lady
+who died was a friend of missus, and they were always together.  I
+think missus and she were jealous of Lord Caranby, both loving him.
+But Miss Saul--that was the other lady--died, and Lord Caranby left the
+house as it stands, to go away."
+
+"He won't allow anyone to set a foot in the house or grounds," said
+Mrs. Pill, "there ain't no gate in the wall--"
+
+"No gate," echoed Susan astonished.
+
+"Not a single 'ole as you could get a cat through.  Round and round the
+place that fifteen-feet wall is built, and the park, as they calls it,
+is running as wild as a cow.  Not a soul has set foot in that place for
+the last fifteen years.  But I expect when Mr. Mallow comes in for the
+title he'll pull it down and build 'ouses.  I'm sure he ought to: it's
+a shame seeing land wasted like that."
+
+"Where is Lord Caranby now?"
+
+"He lives in London and never comes near this place," said Thomas.
+
+"Is Miss Loach friendly with him now?" "No, she ain't.  He treated her
+badly.  She'd have been a better Lady Caranby than Miss Saul"--here
+Thomas started and raised a finger.  "Eh! wasn't that the front door
+closing?"
+
+All listened, but no sound could be heard.  "Perhaps missus has gone to
+walk in the garding," said cook, "she do that at times."
+
+"Did you show 'ern out?" asked Thomas, looking at Susan.
+
+"Only Mr. Clancy," she answered, "the others had gone before. I heard
+what Miss Loach was saying.  Mr. Clancy had quarrelled with Mrs. Herne
+and she had gone away with Mr. Hale.  Then Miss Loach gave it to him
+hot and sent him away.  She's all alone."
+
+"I must have been mistaken about the door then," said he.
+
+"Not at all," chimed in Mrs. Pill.  "Missus is walking as she do do in
+the garding, singing and adornin' self with flowers."
+
+After this poetic flight of fancy on the part of the cook, the supper
+ended.  Thomas smoked a pipe and the housemaid cleared away.  Mrs. Pill
+occupied her time in putting her few straggling locks in curl-papers.
+
+While Susan was assisting Geraldine, the bell rang.  All started.  "I
+thought missus had gone to bed," cried the cook, getting up hurriedly.
+"She'll be in a fine rage if she finds us up.  Go to bed, Geraldine,
+and you, Thomas.  Susan, answer the bell.  She don't like us not to be
+gettin' our beauty sleep.  Bless me it's eleving."
+
+The clock had just struck as Susan left the kitchen, and the three
+servants were bustling about so as to get to bed before their
+sharp-eyed old mistress found them.  Susan went down the stairs.  The
+door of the sitting-room was closed.  She knocked but no voice told her
+to enter.  Wondering if the bell had been rung by mistake, Susan
+knocked again, and again received no answer.  She had a mind to retreat
+rather than face the anger of Miss Loach.  But remembering that the
+bell had rung, she opened the door, determined to explain.  Miss Loach
+was seated in her usual chair, but leaning back with a ghastly face.
+The glare of the electric lamp fixed in the ceiling, shone full on her
+white countenance, and also on something else.  The bosom of her purple
+gown was disarranged, and the lace which adorned it was stained with
+blood.  Startled by her looks Susan hurried forward and gazed
+searchingly into the face.  There was no sign of recognition in the
+wide, staring eyes.  Susan, quivering with dread, touched Miss Loach's
+shoulder.  Her touch upset the body and it rolled on the floor.  The
+woman was dead.  With a shriek Susan recoiled and fell on her knees.
+Her cry speedily brought the other servants.
+
+"Look!" cried Susan pointing, "she is dead--murdered!"
+
+Geraldine and Mrs. Pill shrieked with horror.  Thomas preserved his
+stolid look of composure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+A MYSTERIOUS DEATH
+
+
+To be the husband of a celebrated woman is not an unmixed blessing.
+Mr. Peter Octagon found it to be so, when he married Mrs. Saxon, the
+widow of an eminent Q.C.  She was a fine Junoesque tragic woman, who
+modelled herself on the portraits of the late Mrs. Siddons.  Peter, on
+the contrary, was a small, meek, light-haired, short-sighted man, who
+had never done anything in his unromantic life, save accumulate a
+fortune as a law-stationer.  For many years he lived in single
+blessedness, but when he retired with an assured income of three
+thousand a year, he thought he would marry.  He had no relatives,
+having been brought up in a Foundling Hospital, and consequently, found
+life rather lonely in his fine Kensington house.  He really did not
+care about living in such a mansion, and had purchased the property as
+a speculation, intending to sell it at a profit.  But having fallen in
+with Mrs. Saxon, then a hard-up widow, she not only induced him to
+marry her, but, when married, she insisted that the house should be
+retained, so that she could dispense hospitality to a literary circle.
+
+Mrs. Octagon was very literary.  She had published several novels under
+the nom-de-plume of "Rowena."  She had produced a volume of poems; she
+had written a play which had been produced at a matinee; and finally
+her pamphlets on political questions stamped her, in the opinion of her
+immediate circle, as a William Pitt in petticoats.  She looked upon
+herself as the George Eliot of the twentieth century, and dated events
+from the time of her first success.  "That happened before I became
+famous," she would say.  "No, it was after I took the public by storm."
+And her immediate circle, who appreciated her cakes and ale, would
+agree with everything she said.  The Kensington house was called "The
+Shrine of the Muses!" and this title was stamped on her envelopes and
+writing-paper, to the bewilderment of illiterate postmen.  It sounded
+like the name of a public-house to them.
+
+Peter was quite lost in the blaze of his wife's literary glory.  He was
+a plain, homely, small man, as meek as a rabbit, fond of his garden and
+fireside, and nervous in society.  Had he not committed the fatal
+mistake of wedding Mrs. Saxon, he would have taken a cottage in the
+country and cultivated flowers.  As it was, he dwelt in town and was
+ordered to escort Mrs. Octagon when she chose to "blaze," as she put
+it, in her friends' houses.  Also there was a reception every Friday
+when literary London gathered round "Rowena," and lamented the decline
+of Art.  These people had never done anything to speak of, none of them
+were famous in any wide sense, but they talked of art with a big "A,"
+though what they meant was not clear even to themselves.  So far as
+could be ascertained Art, with a big "A," was concerned with something
+which did not sell, save to a select circle.  Mrs. Octagon's circle
+would have shuddered collectively and individually at the idea of
+writing anything interesting, likely to be enjoyed by the toilers of
+modern days.  Whatever pictures, songs, books or plays were written by
+anyone who did not belong to "The Circle," these were considered
+"pretty, but not Tart!" Anything successful was pronounced "Vulgar!"
+To be artistic in Mrs. Octagon's sense, a work had to possess
+obscurity, it had to be printed on the finest paper with selected type,
+and it had to be sold at a prohibitive price. In this way "Rowena" had
+produced her works, and her name was not known beyond her small
+coterie.  All the same, she intimated that her renown was world-wide
+and that her fame would be commensurate with the existence of the
+Anglo-Saxon race.  Mrs. Lee Hunter in the Pickwick Papers, also labored
+under the same delusion.
+
+With Peter lived Mrs. Saxon's children by the eminent Q.C. Basil, who
+was twenty-five, and Juliet age twenty-two.  They were both handsome
+and clever, but Juliet was the more sensible of the two.  She detested
+the sham enthusiasm of The Circle, and appreciated Peter more than her
+mother did.  Basil had been spoilt by his mother, who considered him a
+genius, and had produced a book of weak verse.  Juliet was fond of her
+brother, but she saw his faults and tried to correct them. She wished
+to make him more of a man and less of an artistic fraud, for the young
+man really did possess talents.  But the hothouse atmosphere of "The
+Shrine of the Muses!" would have ruined anyone possessed of genius,
+unless he had a strong enough nature to withstand the sickly adulation
+and false judgments of those who came there.  Basil was not strong.  He
+was pleasant, idle, rather vain, and a little inclined to be
+dissipated.  Mrs. Octagon did not know that Basil was fond of
+dissipation.  She thought him a model young Oxford man, and hoped he
+would one day be Laureate of England.
+
+Afternoon tea was just ended, and several of Mrs. Octagon's friends had
+departed.  Basil and Mr. Octagon were out, but the latter entered with
+a paper in his hand shortly after the last visitor took her leave.
+Mrs. Octagon, in a ruby-colored velvet, looking majestic and
+self-satisfied, was enthroned--the word is not too strong--in an
+arm-chair, and Juliet was seated opposite to her turning over the
+leaves of a new novel produced by one of The Circle.  It was
+beautifully printed and bound, and beautifully written in "precious"
+English, but its perusal did not seem to afford her any satisfaction.
+Her attention wandered, and every now and then she looked at the door
+as though expecting someone to enter.  Mrs. Octagon disapproved of
+Juliet's pale cheeks and want of attention to her own fascinating
+conversation, so, when alone, she took the opportunity to correct her.
+
+"My child," said Mrs. Octagon, who always spoke in a tragic manner, and
+in a kind of blank-verse way, "to me it seems your cheeks are somewhat
+pale."
+
+"I had no sleep last night," said Juliet, throwing down the book.
+
+"Your thoughts concerned themselves with Cuthbert's face, no doubt, my
+love," said her mother fondly.
+
+"No, I was not thinking of him.  I was worried about--about--my new
+dress," she finished, after vainly casting about for some more sensible
+reason.
+
+"How foolish children are.  You trouble about your dress when you
+should have been thinking of the man who loves you."
+
+"Does Cuthbert love me?" asked Juliet, flushing.
+
+"As Romeo loved your namesake, sweetest child.  And a very good match
+it is too," added Mrs. Octagon, relapsing into prose.  "He is Lord
+Caranby's heir, and will have a title and a fortune some day.  But I
+would not force you to wed against your will, my dear."
+
+"I love Cuthbert and Cuthbert loves me," said Juliet quickly, "we quite
+understand one another.  I wonder why he did not come to-day."
+
+"Ah," said her mother playfully, "I saw that your thoughts were
+otherwhere.  Your eyes wandered constantly to the door. He may come
+late.  By the way, where is my dearest son?"
+
+"Basil?  He went out this morning.  I believe he intended to call on
+Aunt Selina."
+
+Mrs. Octagon lost a trifle of her suave manner, and became decidedly
+more human.  "Then I wish he would not call there," she said sharply.
+"Selina Loach is my own sister, but I do not approve of her."
+
+"She is a poor, lonely dear, mother."
+
+"Poor, my child, she is not, as I have every reason to believe she is
+well endowed with this world's goods.  Lonely she may be, but that is
+her own fault.  Had she behaved as she should have done, Lady Caranby
+would have been her proud title.  As to dear," Mrs. Octagon shrugged
+her fine shoulders, "she is not a woman to win or retain love.  Look at
+the company she keeps.  Mr. Hale, her lawyer, is not a nice man.  I
+have espied something evil in his eye.  That Clancy creature is said to
+be rich.  He needs to be, if only to compensate for his rough way.
+They visit her constantly."
+
+"You have forgotten Mrs. Herne," said Juliet, rising, and beginning to
+pace the room restlessly and watch out of the window.
+
+"I have never met Mrs. Herne.  And, indeed, you know, that for private
+reasons I have never visited Selina at that ridiculous house of hers.
+When were you there last, Juliet, my child?"
+
+The girl started and appeared embarrassed.  "Oh, a week ago," she said
+hurriedly, then added restlessly, "I wonder why Basil does not come
+back.  He has been away all day."
+
+"Do you know why he has called on your aunt, my dear?"
+
+"No," said Juliet, in a hesitating manner, and turned again to look out
+of the window.  Then she added, as though to escape further
+questioning, "I have seen Mrs. Herne only once, but she seemed to me a
+very nice, clever old woman."
+
+"Clever," said Mrs. Octagon, raising her eyebrows, which were as
+strongly marked as those of her sister, "no.  She does not belong to
+The Circle."
+
+"A person can be clever without that," said Juliet impatiently.
+
+"No.  All the clever people in London come here, Juliet.  If Mrs. Herne
+had been brilliant, she would have found her way to our Shrine."
+
+Juliet shrugged her shoulders and curled her pretty lip.  She did not
+appreciate her privileges in that house.  In fact, a word distinctly
+resembling "Bother!" escaped from her mouth. However, she went on
+talking of Mrs. Herne, as though to keep her mother from questioning
+her further.
+
+"There is a mystery about Mrs. Herne," she said, coming to the fire;
+"for I asked Aunt Selina who she was, and she could not tell me."
+
+"That is so like Selina," rejoined Mrs. Octagon tartly, "receiving a
+person of whom she knows nothing."
+
+"Oh, she does know a little.  Mrs. Herne is the widow of a Spanish
+merchant, and she struck me as being foreign herself. Aunt Selina has
+known her for three years, and she has come almost every week to play
+whist at Rose Cottage.  I believe she lives at Hampstead!"
+
+"It seems to me, Juliet, that your aunt told you a great deal about
+this person.  Why did you ask?"
+
+Juliet stared into the fire.  "There is something so strange about Mrs.
+Herne," she murmured.  "In spite of her gray hair she looks quite
+young.  She does not walk as an old woman.  She confessed to being over
+fifty.  To be sure, I saw her only once."
+
+Mrs. Octagon grew rather cross.  "I am over fifty, and I'm sure I don't
+look old, you undutiful child.  When the soul is young, what matters
+the house of clay.  But, as I was saying," she added hastily, not
+choosing to talk of her age, which was a tender point with her, "Selina
+Loach likes low company.  I know nothing of Mrs. Herne, but what you
+say of her does not sound refined."
+
+"Oh, she is quite a lady."
+
+"And as to Mr. Clancy and Mr. Jarvey Hale," added Mrs. Octagon, taking
+no notice, "I mistrust them.  That Hale man looked as though he would
+do a deed of darkness on the slightest provocation."
+
+So tragic was her mother's manner, that Juliet turned even paler than
+she was.  "Whatever do you mean?" she asked quickly.
+
+"I mean murder, if I must use so vulgar and melodramatic a word."
+
+"But I don't understand--"
+
+"Bless me," cried Mrs. Octagon, becoming more prosaic than ever, "there
+is nothing to understand.  But Selina lives in quite a lonely house,
+and has a lot of money.  I never open the papers but what I expect to
+read of her death by violence."
+
+"Oh," murmured Juliet, again crossing to the window, "you should not
+talk like that, mother!"
+
+Mrs. Octagon laughed good-naturedly.  "Nonsense, child.  I am only
+telling you my thoughts.  Selina is such a strange woman and keeps such
+strange company that she won't end in the usual way.  You may be sure
+of that.  But, after all, if she does die, you will come in for her
+money and then, can marry Cuthbert Mallow."
+
+Juliet shuddered.  "I hope Aunt Selina will live for many a long day,
+if that is what you think," she said sharply.  "I want none of her
+money.  Cuthbert has money of his own, and his uncle is rich also."
+
+"I really hope Cuthbert has enough to justify him gambling."
+
+"He does not gamble," said Juliet quickly.
+
+"Yes he does," insisted Mrs. Octagon.  "I have heard rumors; it is but
+right you should hear about--"
+
+"I want to hear nothing.  I thought you liked Cuthbert."
+
+"I do, and he is a good match.  But I should like to see you accept the
+Poet Arkwright, who will yet be the Shakespeare of England."
+
+"England has quite enough glory with the Shakespeare she has," rejoined
+Juliet tartly, "and as to Mr. Arkwright, I wouldn't marry him if he had
+a million.  A silly, ugly, weak--"
+
+"Stop!" cried Mrs. Octagon, rising majestically from her throne.  "Do
+not malign genius, lest the gods strike you dumb. Child--"
+
+What Mrs. Octagon was about to say further must remain ever a mystery,
+for it was at this moment that her husband hurried into the room with
+an evening paper in his hand.  "My dear," he said, his scanty hair
+almost standing on end with horror, "such dreadful news.  Your aunt,
+Juliet, my dear--"
+
+"Selina," said Mrs. Octagon quietly, "go on.  There is nothing bad I
+don't expect to hear about Selina.  What is it?"
+
+"She is dead!"
+
+"Dead!" cried Juliet, clasping her hands nervously.  "No!"
+
+"Not only dead, but murdered!" cried Mr. Octagon.  His wife suddenly
+dropped into her throne and, being a large fleshly woman, her fall
+shook the room.  Then she burst into tears. "I never liked Selina," she
+sniffed, "even though she was my own sister, but I am sorry--I am
+dreadfully--oh, dear me! Poor Selina!"
+
+By this time all the dramatic posing of Mrs. Octagon had gone by the
+wall, and she showed herself in her true colors as a kind-hearted
+woman.  Juliet hurried to her mother and took one of her hands.  The
+elder woman started, even in the midst of her tears.  "My child, your
+hand is as cold as ice," she said anxiously.  "Are you ill."
+
+"No," said the girl hurriedly and evidently trying to suppress her
+emotion, "but this dreadful news!  Do you remember what you said?"
+
+"Yes--but I never expected I would be a true prophetess," sobbed Mrs.
+Octagon.  "Peter," with sudden tartness, "why don't you give me the
+details.  Poor Selina dead, and here am I in ruby velvet!"
+
+"There are not many details to give," said Peter, reading from the
+newspaper, "the police are keeping quiet about the matter."
+
+"Who killed her?"
+
+Juliet rose suddenly and turned on the electric light, so that her
+step-father could see to read more clearly.  "Yes," she said in a firm
+voice, belied by the ghastly whiteness of her face, "who killed her?"
+
+"It is not known," said Mr. Octagon.  "Last night she entertained a few
+friends--to be precise, three, and she was found by her new parlor-maid
+dead in her chair, stabbed to the heart.  The weapon has not been
+found, nor has any trace of the murderer been discovered."
+
+"Entertained friends," muttered Mrs. Octagon weeping, "the usual lot.
+Mr. Hale, Mrs. Herne and Mr. Clancy--"
+
+"Yes," said Peter, somewhat surprised, "how do you know?"
+
+"My soul, whispered me," said Mrs. Octagon tragically, and becoming
+melodramatic again, now that the first shock was over.  "One of those
+three killed her.  Who struck the fatal blow?--the villain Hale I doubt
+not."
+
+"No," cried Juliet, "it was not Mr. Hale.  He would not harm a fly."
+
+"Probably not," said her mother tartly, "a fly has no property--your
+Aunt Selina had.  Oh, my dear," she added, darting away at a tangent,
+"to think that last night you and Basil should have been witnesses of a
+melodrama at the Marlow Theatre, at the very time this real tragedy was
+taking place in the rural country."
+
+"It's a most dreadful affair," murmured Peter, laying aside the paper.
+"Had I not better go down to Rose Cottage and offer my services?"
+
+"No," said Mrs. Octagon sharply, "don't mix yourself up in this
+dreadful affair.  Few people know that Selina was my sister, and I
+don't want everyone to be condoling with me on this tragedy."
+
+"But we must do something," said Juliet quickly.
+
+"We will wait, my dear.  But I don't want more publicity than is
+necessary."
+
+"But I have told some of our friends that Aunt Selina is a relative."
+
+"Then you should not have done so," replied her mother, annoyed.
+"However, people soon forget names, and the thing may not be noticed."
+
+"My dear," said Octagon, seriously, "you should not be ashamed of your
+sister.  She may not have your renown nor rank, still--"
+
+"I know my own knowing," interrupted the lady rather violently, and
+crushing her meek husband with a look.  "Selina and I are strangers,
+and have been for years.  What are the circumstances of the case?  I
+have not seen Selina for over fifteen years.  I hear nothing about her.
+She suddenly writes to me, asking if my dear children may call and see
+her--that was a year ago.  You insisted that they should go, Peter,
+because relatives should be friendly.  I consented, as I heard from Mr.
+Hale that Selina was rich, and fancied she might leave her money to my
+children.  Juliet has called several times--"
+
+"More than that," interrupted Juliet in her turn, "both Basil and I
+have called nearly every month.  We sometimes went and did not tell
+you, mother, as you seemed so annoyed that we should visit her."
+
+"I consented only that you might retain her goodwill and get what money
+she might leave," said Mrs. Octagon obstinately. "There is nothing in
+common between Selina and me."
+
+"There was nothing in common," put in Octagon softly.
+
+"I know she is dead.  You need not remind me of that unpleasant fact,
+sir.  And her death is worthy of her strange, and I fear not altogether
+reputable life."
+
+"Oh, mother, how can you?  Aunt Selina was the most particular--"
+
+"There--there," said her mother who was much agitated, "I know more
+than you do.  And between ourselves, I believe I know who killed her.
+Yes!  You may look.  And this death, Juliet, ends your engagement with
+Cuthbert."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+DETAILS
+
+
+What Mrs. Octagon meant by her last enigmatic remark it is impossible
+to say.  After delivering it in her usual dramatic manner, she swept
+from the room, leaving Juliet and her step-father staring at one
+another.  Peter was the first to break the silence.
+
+"Your mother appears to be very positive," said he.
+
+"About my giving up Cuthbert?" asked Juliet sharply.
+
+"About the crime.  She hinted that she guessed who killed the poor
+lady.  I never knew Miss Loach myself," added Mr. Octagon, seating
+himself and ruffling his scanty locks, a habit with him when perplexed,
+"but you said you liked her."
+
+"Yes, Aunt Selina was always very nice to me.  She had strange ways,
+and, to tell you the truth, father," Juliet always addressed Peter
+thus, to his great delight, "she was not so refined as mother--"
+
+"Few people are so refined as my wife, my dear."
+
+"As to mother knowing who killed her," pursued Juliet, taking no notice
+of this interpolation, "it's nonsense.  She said she believed Mr. Hale
+or Mr. Clancy--"
+
+"Surely not," interposed Mr. Octagon anxiously, "both these gentlemen
+have participated in the delights of our literary Circle, and I should
+be loath to credit them with violence."
+
+"I don't believe either has anything to do with the matter. Mother
+doesn't like them because they were such good friends to Aunt Selina.
+Can you guess why mother quarrelled with aunt, father?"
+
+"No, my dear.  Your mother has some grudge against her.  What it is I
+do not know.  She never told me.  But for over fifteen years your
+mother spoke little of your aunt and never called to see her.  I was
+quite astonished when she consented that you and Basil should call.
+Did your aunt ever speak of your mother?"
+
+"Very little, and then she was cautious--what she said.  But this is
+not the question," continued the girl, leaning her chin on her hand and
+staring into the fire; "why does mother say I must break my engagement
+with Cuthbert on account of this death?"
+
+"Perhaps she will explain."
+
+"No; she left the room to avoid an explanation.  Cuthbert certainly saw
+Aunt Selina once or twice, but he did not care for her.  But he can
+have nothing to do with the matter.  Then again, mother, up till now,
+was always pleased that I should marry Cuthbert."
+
+"Yes," said Octagon, twiddling his thumbs; "she has known Mr. Mallow
+ever since he was a child.  Both your aunt and your mother were great
+friends of Lord Caranby's in their youth, over twenty years ago.  I
+believe at one time Selina was engaged to him, but he was in love with
+a young lady called Miss Saul, who died unexpectedly."
+
+"I know," said Juliet; "and then Lord Caranby abandoned the house he
+was building at Rexton, and it has been shut up all these years.  Aunt
+Selina told me the story.  When I asked mother for details, she refused
+to speak."
+
+"Your mother is very firm when she likes."
+
+"Very obstinate, you mean," said Juliet, undutifully. "However, I am
+not going to give up Cuthbert.  I love him and he loves me.  I intend
+to marry him whatever mother may say."
+
+"But if your mother refuses her consent?"
+
+"I am over age."
+
+As she spoke her brother entered the room hurriedly.  Basil Saxon was
+as fair and weak-looking as his sister was dark and strong in
+appearance.  He was smartly dressed, and in a rather affected way.  His
+hair was long, he wore a moustache and a short imperial, and talked in
+a languid way in a somewhat obscure manner.  These were the traits
+Juliet disliked in Basil.  She would rather have seen him a spruce
+well-groomed man about town like Cuthbert.  But at the present moment
+Basil's face was flushed, and he spoke hurriedly, evidently laboring
+under great stress of emotion.
+
+"Have you heard the news?" he said, dropping into a chair and casting a
+side look at the evening paper which Peter still held.
+
+"If you mean about the death--"
+
+"Yes; Aunt Selina has been murdered.  I called to see her this morning,
+and found the house in the possession of the police. All day I have
+been down there with Mallow."
+
+"With Cuthbert," said Juliet, starting and growing red.  "What was he
+doing there?"
+
+"He came down to Rexton to see about the unfinished house. Lord Caranby
+has returned to England, and he has thoughts of pulling it down.
+Mallow came to have a look at the place."
+
+"But he can't get in.  There is a wall round the grounds."
+
+"He climbed over the wall," said Basil, quickly, "and after looking
+through the house he came out.  Then he saw me, and I told him what had
+happened.  He appeared dreadfully shocked."
+
+Juliet shivered in spite of the heat of the day and the fire, near
+which she was seated.  "It is strange he should have been there."
+
+Her brother threw a keen glance at her.  "I don't see that!" he
+exclaimed.  "He gave his reason for being in the neighborhood.  He came
+up with me, and is coming on here in a few moments.  This is why he did
+not turn up this afternoon."
+
+Juliet nodded and appeared satisfied with this explanation. But she
+kept her eyes on her brother when he entered into details about the
+crime.  Her emotions during the recital betrayed themselves markedly.
+
+"I saw the detective," said Basil, with quicker speech than usual.  "He
+is a first-rate chap called Jennings, and when he heard I was Miss
+Loach's nephew he didn't mind speaking freely."
+
+"What did you learn?" asked Mr. Octagon.
+
+"Enough to make the mystery surrounding the death deeper than ever."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked his sister, restlessly.  "Can't the murderer
+be found?"
+
+"Not a trace of him can be discovered."
+
+"Why do you say 'him.'  It might have been a woman."
+
+"No," rejoined Basil positively, "no woman could have struck so hard a
+blow.  Aunt Selina was stabbed to the heart.  She must have been killed
+as she was rising from her chair, and death, so the doctor says, must
+have been instantaneous."
+
+"Has the weapon been found?" asked Juliet in a low voice.
+
+Basil turned quickly in his chair, and looked at her sharply. "No!" he
+said, "not a sign of any weapon can be found, nor can it be discovered
+how anyone got into the house.  Though to be sure, she might have
+admitted her visitor."
+
+"Explain! explain," cried Mr. Octagon, ruffling his hair.
+
+"Well, to tell the story in detail," said his step-son, "the way it
+happened is this.  Aunt Selina had Mr. Hale and Mr. Clancy and Mrs.
+Herne to their usual game of whist.  Clancy, as it appears from the
+report of what the new parlor-maid overheard, quarrelled with Hale and
+Mrs. Herne.  They left before ten o'clock.  At all events, when she
+entered the room in answer to my aunt's summons, she found only Mr.
+Clancy, and aunt was scolding him for having provoked Mrs. Herne by
+contradicting her.  Apparently Mrs. Herne had gone away under the wing
+of Hale.  Then aunt sent Clancy away at ten o'clock. The parlor-maid
+returned to the kitchen and there had supper. She heard the bell ring
+at eleven, and found aunt dead in the sitting-room, stabbed to the
+heart."
+
+"Heard the bell ring?" echoed Juliet.  "But how could aunt ring if she
+had been killed?"
+
+"She might have rung as she was dying," said Basil, after a pause.  "It
+seems she was seated near the button of the bell and could have touched
+it without rising.  She might have rung with a last effort, and then
+have died before the parlor-maid could get to the room."
+
+"Or else," said Mr. Octagon, anxious to prove his perspicuity, "the
+assassin may have stabbed her and then have touched the bell."
+
+"What!" cried his step-son derisively, "to summon a witness. I don't
+think the assassin would be such a fool.  However, that's all that can
+be discovered.  Aunt Selina is dead, and no one knows who killed her."
+
+"Was the house locked up?" "The front door was closed, and the windows
+were bolted and barred.  Besides, a policeman was walking down Crooked
+Lane a few minutes before eleven, and would have seen anyone leaving
+the house.  He reported that all was quiet."
+
+"Then the assassin might have rung the bell at eleven," said Peter.
+
+"Certainly not, for he could never have escaped immediately afterwards,
+without the policeman seeing him."
+
+"He might have got out by the back," suggested Juliet.
+
+"My dear girl, what are you thinking of.  That wall round Lord
+Caranby's mansion blocks any exit at the back.  Anyone leaving the
+house must go up the lane or through that part at the bottom.  The
+policeman was near there shortly before eleven and saw no one leaving
+the house."
+
+"But, look here," said Mr. Octagon, who had been ruminating; "if, as
+the doctor says, death was instantaneous, how could your aunt have rung
+the bell?"
+
+"Yes," added Juliet.  "And even had death not taken place at once, it
+could not have been more than a few minutes before eleven when the blow
+was struck.  Aunt might have had strength to crawl to the bell and
+touch it, but the assassin could not have escaped from the house,
+seeing--as you say--the policeman was on guard."
+
+"Aunt died instantaneously," insisted Basil.
+
+"Then she could not have sounded the bell," said Juliet triumphantly.
+
+"The assassin did that," said Peter.
+
+"And thus called a witness," cried Basil.  "Ridiculous!"
+
+"Then how do you explain the matter?"
+
+"I can't explain.  Neither can the detective Jennings.  It's a mystery."
+
+"Could any of the servants--" began Peter.
+
+"No," interrupted Saxon.  "The four servants were having supper in the
+kitchen.  They are innocent.  Well, we'll see what the inquest reveals.
+Something may be found before then likely to elucidate the mystery.
+But here comes Mallow.  He questioned Jennings also, so you can
+question him if you like. Does mother know?"
+
+"Yes.  And she doesn't want the fact of her relationship to your aunt
+talked about."
+
+Basil understood at once.  "No wonder," he said, shrugging his
+shoulders.  "It is not a pleasant affair for a woman of mother's
+celebrity to be mixed up with."
+
+Meantime, Juliet having heard the ring at the front door, escaped from
+the room to see her lover.  She met him divesting himself of his
+overcoat in the hall, and ran to him with outstretched hands.  "But why
+have you got on an overcoat this warm day?" she asked.
+
+"I have a cold.  I caught one last night," said Cuthbert, kissing her.
+
+"Where were you last night?" asked Juliet, drawing him into a side
+room.  "I thought you were coming to the Marlow Theatre with Basil and
+me."
+
+"Yes.  But my uncle arrived unexpectedly in England and sent for me to
+his hotel in Guelph street--the Avon Hotel, you know.  He will insist
+on a fire even in June, and the room was so hot that I caught cold when
+I came out.  I had to go down to Rexton to-day on his business, and put
+on a coat so as to avoid catching further cold.  But why this room,
+Juliet?"
+
+"Father and Basil are in the drawing-room.  They are talking of the
+murder, and I don't want to hear any more about it."
+
+"There are pleasanter things to talk about," said Mallow.  "I knew
+Basil would come crammed with news.  Has he told you--"
+
+"He told us everything he could gather from the detective.  It seems
+that the crime is quite a mystery."
+
+"Quite.  Why your aunt should be killed, or how the assassin escaped,
+after killing her, cannot be discovered.  Jennings is in high glee
+about it.  He loves a puzzle of this sort."
+
+"Do you know him?" asked Juliet anxiously.
+
+"Oh, yes.  Jennings is a gentleman.  He was at Eton with me. But he ran
+through his money and took up the detective business.  He is very
+clever, and if anyone will learn the truth, he will.  Now, my theory--"
+
+Juliet put her hand over his mouth.  "Don't," she said.  "I have had
+enough horrors for this afternoon.  Let us talk of ourselves."
+
+"I would rather do this," said Mallow, and kissed her.
+
+Mallow was a handsome fellow, tall and slim, with a rather military
+carriage.  His face was clean-shaven save for a small straw-colored
+moustache, which showed up almost white against the bronze of his face.
+He was more of an athlete than a student, and this was one reason why
+Juliet was fond of him. She had seen so much of literary circles that
+she always vowed she would marry a man who never opened a book.
+Cuthbert nearly fulfilled this requirement, as he read little, save
+novels and newspapers.  He was well known in sporting circles, and
+having a good private income, owned race-horses.  He was always
+irreproachably dressed, good-humored and cheerful. Consequently he was
+popular, and if not overburdened with brains, managed to make himself
+agreeable to the world, and to have what the Americans call "a good
+time."  He had travelled much and was fond of big-game shooting.  To
+complete his characterization, it is necessary to mention that he had
+served in the Boer War, and had gained a D.S.O.  But that was in the
+days before he met Juliet or he might not have risked a life so
+precious to her.
+
+Juliet was dark and rather little, not at all like her Junoesque
+mother.  She was extremely pretty and dressed to perfection.  Having
+more brains and a stronger will than Mallow, she guided him in every
+way, and had already succeeded in improving his morals.  With so gentle
+and charming a mentor, Cuthbert was quite willing to be led into the
+paths of virtue.  He adored Juliet and she loved him, so it appeared
+that the marriage would be quite ideal.
+
+"Much as we love one another," said Cuthbert when the lovers were
+seated on the sofa.  "I wonder you can talk of anything but this horrid
+murder."
+
+"Because there is nothing to talk of," rejoined the girl impatiently;
+"according to Basil, the case is most mysterious, so it is useless for
+us to worry over it until something tangible is discovered.  But I want
+to speak to you seriously--" here Juliet hesitated.
+
+"Well, go on," said Cuthbert, taking her hand.
+
+"Mother says--" began Juliet, then hesitated again.  "Promise me you
+will keep to yourself what I am about to tell you."
+
+"Certainly.  I never was a fellow to chatter."
+
+"Then mother says that this murder will put a stop to our marriage."
+
+Mallow stared, then flushed up to his ears.  "What on earth does she
+mean by that?" he asked aghast.
+
+Juliet looked searchingly at him.  "Do you know of any impediment?"
+
+"I?  Of course I don't.  I am sorry for the death of your aunt, but I
+really don't see what it has to do with you and me."
+
+Juliet drew a breath of relief.  "Mother hints that she knows who
+committed the crime, and--"
+
+"What!  She knows.  How does she know?"
+
+"I can't say.  She refuses to speak.  She was not on good terms with
+Aunt Selina and they never saw one another for over fifteen years.  But
+mother is much disturbed about the murder--"
+
+"That is natural.  A sister is a sister however much one may have
+quarrelled.  But why should this death stop our marriage?"
+
+"I know no more than you do.  Here is mother.  Ask her yourself."
+
+It was indeed Mrs. Octagon who entered the room.  She looked very pale,
+but otherwise was perfectly composed.  In silence she gave her hand to
+Cuthbert, and kept her black eyes fixed steadily on his face.  The
+young man flushed and turned away, whereat Mrs. Octagon sighed.  Juliet
+broke an embarrassed silence.
+
+"Mother," she said, "I have told Cuthbert what you said."
+
+"Then you had no right to," said Mrs. Octagon sternly.
+
+"Oh, I think she had," said Mallow, rather annoyed.  "Seeing you hint
+that this crime will stop our marriage."
+
+Mrs. Octagon did not answer.  "Is your uncle in town?" she asked.
+
+"Yes.  He arrived from the continent a day or two ago."
+
+"I thought so," she said, half to herself, and strove to repress her
+agitation.  "Mr. Mallow, my daughter can't marry you."
+
+"Why not?  Give your reason."
+
+"I have no reason to give."
+
+"But you must.  Is it on account of this murder?"
+
+"It is.  I told Juliet so.  But I cannot explain."
+
+The lovers looked at one another in a dazed fashion.  The woman's
+objection seemed to be senseless.  "Surely you don't think Cuthbert
+killed Aunt Selina?" said Juliet, laughing in a forced manner.
+
+"No.  I don't suspect him."
+
+"Then whom do you suspect?" demanded Mallow.
+
+"That I decline to say."
+
+"Will you decline to say it to the police?"
+
+Mrs. Octagon stepped back a pace.  "Yes, I should," she faltered.
+
+Cuthbert Mallow looked at her, wondering why she was so agitated, and
+Juliet stole her hand into his.  Then he addressed her seriously.
+
+"Mrs. Octagon," he said, "your remark about my uncle leads me to think
+you suspect him."
+
+"No I don't.  But you can't marry Juliet on account of this crime."
+
+"Then you hear me," said Mallow, driven into a corner, "from this
+moment I devote myself to finding out who killed your unfortunate
+sister.  When the assassin is discovered you may consent to our
+marriage."
+
+But he spoke to empty air.  Mrs. Octagon had left the room, almost
+before the first words left his mouth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+LORD CARANBY'S ROMANCE
+
+
+Cuthbert was considerably perplexed by the attitude of Juliet's mother.
+She had always been more than kind to him. On the announcement that he
+wished to marry her daughter, she had expressed herself well pleased,
+and during the engagement, which had lasted some six months, she had
+received him as Juliet's intended husband, with almost ostentatious
+delight. Now, for some inexplicable reason, she suddenly changed her
+mind and declined to explain.  But rack his brains as he might,
+Cuthbert could not see how the death of a sister she had quarrelled
+with, and to whom she had been a stranger for so long, could affect the
+engagement.
+
+However, there was no doubt in his mind that the refusal of Mrs.
+Octagon to approve of the marriage lay in the fact that her sister had
+met with a violent end.  Therefore Mallow was determined to see
+Jennings, and help him to the best of his ability to discover the
+assassin.  When the criminal was brought to justice, either Mrs.
+Octagon's opposition would be at an end, or the true reason for its
+existence would be revealed.  Meantime, he was sure that she would keep
+Juliet out of his way, and that in future he would be refused
+admittance to the "Shrine of the Muses."  This was annoying, but so
+long as Juliet remained true, Cuthbert thought he could bear the
+exclusion.  His betrothed--as he still regarded the girl--could meet
+him in the Park, at the houses of mutual friends, and in a thousand and
+one places which a clever woman like her could think of.  And although
+Cuthbert knew that Mrs. Octagon had frequently regretted the refusal of
+her daughter to marry Arkwright, and would probably try and induce her
+to do so now that matters stood thus, yet he was not afraid in his own
+heart.  Juliet was as staunch as steel, and he was certain that Mr.
+Octagon would be on his side.  Basil probably would agree with his
+mother, whose lead he slavishly followed. But Mallow had rather a
+contempt for Basil, and did not count his opposition as dangerous.
+
+On leaving the "Shrine of the Muses," the young man's first intention
+was to seek out Jennings and see what progress he was making in the
+matter.  But on reflection he thought he would call again on his uncle
+and question him regarding his knowledge of Mrs. Octagon.  It seemed to
+Cuthbert that, from the woman's question as to whether Lord Caranby had
+returned from abroad, and her remark on hearing that he had, some
+suspicion was in her mind as to his being concerned in the crime.  Yet,
+beyond the fact that the unfinished house stood behind the cottage
+where the crime had been committed and belonged to Lord Caranby who had
+known the dead woman in the past, Cuthbert could not see how Mrs.
+Octagon could constitute a latter-day connection between her dead
+sister and her old friend.  But Lord Caranby might be induced to
+talk--no easy matter--and from what he said, the mystery of Mrs.
+Octagon's attitude might be elucidated.  Only in the past--so far as
+the perplexed young man could conjecture--could be found the reason for
+her sudden change of front.
+
+Cuthbert therefore sent a wire to his uncle, stating that he wished to
+see him after eight o'clock on special business, and then went home to
+dress.
+
+While thus employed, he thought over means and ways to make Caranby
+open his mouth.  The old lord was a silent, grave man, who never
+uttered an unnecessary word, and it was difficult to induce him to be
+confidential.  But invariably he had approved of his nephew's
+engagement, although he had never seen Juliet, so it might be that he
+would speak out--if there was anything to say--in order to remove any
+impediment to the match.  It depended upon what information he received
+as to how Mallow would act.
+
+At half-past eight he drove to the Avon Hotel and was shown up at once
+to his uncle's sitting-room.  That he should live in an hotel was
+another of Caranby's eccentricities.  He had a house in town and three
+in the country, yet for years he had lived--as the saying is--on his
+portmanteau.  Even the villa at Nice he owned was unoccupied by this
+strange nobleman, and was usually let to rich Americans.  When in
+England he stopped at the Avon Hotel and when in the country remained
+at any inn of the neighborhood in which he might chance to find himself
+wandering.  And wandering is an excellent word to apply to Lord
+Caranby's peregrinations.  He was as restless as a gipsy and far more
+aimless.  He never appeared to take an interest in anything: he was
+always moving here, there and everywhere, and had--so far as Cuthbert
+knew--no object in life.  His reason for this Cainlike behavior,
+Caranby never condescended to explain.
+
+When his nephew entered the room, looking smart and handsome in his
+accurate evening suit, Caranby, who was seated near the fire, stood up
+courteously to welcome him, leaning on his cane.  He suffered from
+sciatica, and could not walk save with the assistance of his stick.
+And on this account also, he always insisted on the room being heated
+to an extraordinary degree.  Like a salamander he basked in the heat,
+and would not allow either door or window to be opened, even in the
+midst of summer, when a large fire made the apartment almost
+unendurable.  Cuthbert felt as though he were walking into a Turkish
+bath, and sat as far away from the fire as he could. After saluting
+him, his uncle sank back into his seat and looked at him inquiringly.
+
+Lord Caranby was tall and thin--almost emaciated--with a lean, sallow,
+clean-shaven face, and a scanty crop of fair hair mixed with gray.  His
+eyes were sunken but full of vitality, although usually they were grave
+and somewhat sad. His hands were deformed with gout, but for all that
+he wore several costly rings.  He was perfectly dressed, and as quiet
+and composed as an artist's model.  When he spoke it was in an
+unemotional way, as though he had exhausted all expression of his
+feelings early in life.  Perhaps he had, for from what Cuthbert had
+heard from his uncle, the past of that nobleman was not without
+excitement.  But Caranby's name was rarely mentioned in London.  He
+remained so much abroad that he had quite dropped out of the circle to
+the entry of which his rank entitled him.  His age was sixty-five.
+
+"You are surprised at seeing me again to-night," said Cuthbert.
+
+"I am never surprised at anything," replied his uncle dryly, "but we
+exhausted all we had to say to one another before eight o'clock last
+night, at which time you left.  I therefore don't know why you have
+come this evening.  Our conversation is bound to be dull, and--excuse
+me--I can't afford to be bored at my age."
+
+"I cannot say that our conversation was particularly agreeable last
+night," rejoined Mallow, equally dryly, "we talked business and money
+matters, and about your will."
+
+"And about your engagement also," said Caranby without a vestige of a
+smile.  "That should interest a young man of your ardent temperament.
+I certainly thought the subject amused you."
+
+"Would you be surprised to learn that my engagement has been broken off
+since our conversation," said Cuthbert, crossing his legs.
+
+"No!  Who can account for the whims of a woman.  After all, perhaps you
+are to be congratulated on not marrying a weathercock."
+
+"Juliet has nothing to do with the breaking of our engagement. Her
+mother objects."
+
+"I understood for the last six months that her mother not only
+approved, but was delighted."
+
+"That is the strange part, sir.  On hearing of the death of her sister,
+Mrs. Octagon suddenly changed her mind, and told me that the marriage
+could not take place."
+
+"Did she give any reason?"
+
+"She declined to do so."
+
+"The same woman," muttered Caranby, "always mysterious and
+unsatisfactory.  You say her sister is dead?"
+
+Cuthbert cast a look at the Globe, which lay on a small table near
+Caranby's elbow.  "If you have read the papers, sir--" "Yes!  I have
+read that Miss Loach has been murdered.  You went down to Rexton
+to-day.  I presume you heard something more than the details set forth
+by the press."
+
+Cuthbert nodded.  "It appears to be a mystery."
+
+Caranby did not reply, but looked into the fire.  "Poor Selina!" he
+said half to himself.  "A sad end for such a charming woman."
+
+"I should hardly apply that word to Miss Loach, sir.  She did not
+appear to be a lady, and was by no means refined."
+
+"She must have changed then.  In her young days she and her sister were
+the handsomest women in London."
+
+"I believe you were engaged to one of them," said Mallow politely.
+
+"Yes," replied his uncle grimly.  "But I escaped."
+
+"Escaped?"
+
+"A strange word is it not, but a suitable one."
+
+Cuthbert did not know what to make of this speech.  "Have I your
+permission to smoke?" he asked, taking out his case.
+
+"Yes!  Will you have some coffee?"
+
+"Thank you.  I had some before I came here.  Will you--" he extended
+the case of cigarettes, which Caranby declined.
+
+"Ring for Fletcher to get me my chibouque."
+
+"It is in the corner.  We will dispense with Fletcher with your
+permission."  And Cuthbert brought the chibouque to his uncle's side.
+In another minute the old man was smoking as gravely as any Turk.  This
+method of consuming tobacco was another eccentricity.  For a few
+moments neither spoke.  Then Caranby broke the silence.
+
+"So you want me to help you to find out Mrs. Octagon's reason?"
+
+"I do," said Mallow, rather surprised by Caranby's perspicuity.
+
+"What makes you think I can explain?"
+
+Cuthbert looked at his cigarette.  "I asked you on the chance that you
+may be able to do so," he said gravely.  "The fact is, to be frank,
+Mrs. Octagon appears to think you might have something to do with the
+crime."
+
+Caranby did not seem surprised, but smoked imperturbably.  "I don't
+quite understand."
+
+The young man related how Mrs. Octagon had inquired if the Earl was
+back from the Continent, and her subsequent remark. "Of course I may be
+unduly suspicious," said he.  "But it suggested--"
+
+"Quite so," interrupted the old gentleman gravely.  "You are quick at
+putting two and two together.  Isabella Octagon hates me so much that
+she would gladly see me on the scaffold.  I am not astonished that she
+suspects me."
+
+"But what motive can she impute--"
+
+Caranby laid aside the long coil he was holding and laughed quietly to
+himself.  "Oh, she'll find a motive if it suits her.  But what I cannot
+understand is, why she should accuse me now.  She has had ample
+opportunity during the past twenty years, since the death of Miss Saul,
+for instance."
+
+"She did not exactly accuse you."
+
+"No, a woman like that would not.  And then of course, her sister dying
+only last night affords her the opportunity of getting me into trouble.
+But I am afraid Mrs. Octagon will be disappointed of her revenge, long
+though she has waited."
+
+"Revenge! remember, sir, she is the mother of Juliet."
+
+"I sincerely hope Juliet does not take after her, then," said Lord
+Caranby, tartly.  "To be perfectly plain with you, Cuthbert, I could
+never understand why Mrs. Octagon sanctioned your engagement with her
+daughter, considering you are my nephew."
+
+"I don't understand," said Mallow, staring and uneasily.
+
+Caranby did not answer immediately.  He rose and walked painfully up
+and down the room leaning heavily on his cane. Mallow offered his arm
+but was impatiently waved aside.  When the old man sat down again he
+turned a serious face to his nephew.  "Do you love this girl?"
+
+"With all my heart and soul."
+
+"And she loves you?"
+
+"Of course.  We were made for one another."
+
+"But Mrs. Octagon--"
+
+"I don't like Mrs. Octagon--I never did," said Mallow, impetuously,
+"but I don't care two straws for her opposition. I shall marry Juliet
+in spite of this revenge she seems to be practising on you.  Though why
+she should hope to vex you by meddling with my marriage, I cannot
+understand."
+
+"I can put the matter in a nutshell," said Caranby, and quoted
+Congreve--
+
+        "'Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned
+          Nor Hell a fury like a woman scorned.'"
+
+"Oh," said Mallow, dropping his cigarette, and a whole story was
+revealed to him in the quotation.
+
+"A gentleman doesn't talk of these things," said Caranby abruptly, "and
+for years I have held my tongue.  Still, as Mrs. Octagon does not
+hesitate to strike at me through you, and as your happiness is at
+stake, and the happiness of the girl you love, I shall tell you--so far
+as I can guess--why the woman behaves in this way."
+
+"If you please, sir," and Cuthbert settled himself to listen.
+
+"About twenty years ago," said Caranby, plunging headfirst into his
+subject, "Isabella and Selina Loach were well-known in society.  They
+were the daughters of a country squire--Kent, I remember--and created a
+sensation with their beauty when they came to town.  I fell in love
+with Selina, and Isabella--if you will pardon my vanity--fell in love
+with me.  She hated her sister on my account.  I would have married
+Selina, but her father, who was hard up, wished her to marry a wealthy
+American.  Isabella, to part Selina from me, helped her father.  What
+arguments they used I do not know, but Selina suddenly changed in her
+manner towards me.  Out of pique--you may think this weak of me,
+Cuthbert, but I was a fool in those days--I became engaged to a girl
+who was a singer.  Her name was Emilia Saul, and I believe she was of
+Jewish extraction.  I liked her in a way, and she had a wonderful power
+over me.  I proposed and was accepted."
+
+"But if you had really loved Miss Loach--"
+
+"I should have worn the willow.  I told you I was foolish, and,
+moreover, Miss Saul fascinated me.  Selina was cold, Emilia was
+charming, and I was weak.  Therefore, I became engaged to Emilia, and
+Selina--as I heard, arranged to marry her wealthy American.  I believe
+she was angry at my apparently forgetting her so soon.  But she was in
+fault, not I."
+
+Cuthbert looked at his smart shoes.  "Had I loved Selina," said he
+slowly, "I should have remained true to her, and have married her in
+spite of the objection of her father--"
+
+"And of her sister Isabella--Mrs. Octagon that is; don't forget that,
+Cuthbert.  And I could scarcely run away with a girl who believed
+stories about me."
+
+"What sort of stories?" asked Mallow, remembering certain rumors.
+
+"The sort that one always does tell of an unmarried man," retorted
+Caranby.  "Scandalous stories, which Isabella picked up and retailed to
+Selina.  But I never pretended to be a saint, and had Selina really
+loved me she would have overlooked certain faults.  I did love her,
+Cuthbert.  I did all in my power to prove my love.  For a time I was
+engaged to her, and when she expressed a wish that I should build her a
+house after her own design, I consented."
+
+"The house at Rexton!" exclaimed the young man.
+
+"Exactly.  I got an architect to build it according to designs
+suggested by Selina.  When our engagement was broken and I became--out
+of pique, remember--engaged to Miss Saul, I still went on building the
+house.  Selina, I believe, was very angry.  One week when I was out of
+London she went down with her sister to see the house, and there met
+Emilia."
+
+"Ah! then there was trouble?"
+
+"No; there was no time for a quarrel, if that is what you mean.  When
+the three met, Emilia was walking across a plank on the unfinished
+second story.  On seeing the Loach girls--this is Isabella's
+tale--Emilia lost her footing and fell thirty feet.  She was killed
+almost instantaneously, and her face was much disfigured.  This took
+place during the dinner hour when the workmen were absent.  When they
+returned, the body was found and recognized by the clothes."
+
+"Did not the girls remain?"
+
+"No.  They took fright at the accident and returned home.  But here a
+fresh disaster awaited them.  Mr. Loach was dead.  He died suddenly of
+heart disease.  Selina at once broke her engagement with the American,
+and--"
+
+"And returned to you?"
+
+"Strangely enough she did not.  I never saw her again.  After the death
+of the father the girls went to the Continent, and only came back after
+two years abroad.  Then Isabella, after vainly trying to get me to
+marry her, became the wife of Saxon, then a rising barrister.  Selina
+went to Rexton and shut herself up in the house she now has."
+
+"The house she did have," corrected Cuthbert, "you forget she is dead."
+
+"Yes.  I tried to see her, but she refused to look on my face again,
+alleging that I had treated her badly by becoming engaged to Miss Saul.
+That poor soul was buried, and then I shut up the house and left it as
+it is now.  I travelled, as you know, for years, and I am travelling
+still, for the matter of that," added Caranby with a sigh, "all
+Selina's fault.  She was the only woman I ever loved."
+
+"But was there not an inquest held on Emilia's body?"
+
+"Oh yes, and Isabella gave evidence as to the accident. Selina was too
+ill to appear.  But there was no need.  The cause of the death was
+plain enough.  Moreover, Emilia had no relatives who cared to make
+inquiries.  She left very little money, so those she had, did not
+trouble themselves."
+
+"It is a strange story," said Cuthbert, looking puzzled.  "Had you an
+idea that Emilia may have been pushed off the plank by Selina?"
+
+"Certainly not," rejoined Caranby indignantly.  "She was a good and
+kind girl.  She would not do such a thing."
+
+"Humph!" said Mallow, remembering the eagle nose and thin lips of Miss
+Loach.  "I'm not so sure of that."
+
+"Isabella, who was passionate, might have done it," resumed Caranby,
+"often did I wish to speak to her on the subject, but I never did.  And
+after all, the jury brought in a verdict of accidental death, so there
+was no use making trouble."
+
+"Had Emilia no relatives who might have made inquiries?"
+
+"I believe she had a brother who was a clerk in an office, but, as I
+said, she left no money, so he did not bother himself.  I saw him after
+the death, and the sight of him made me glad I had not married his
+sister.  He looked a thorough blackguard, sly and dangerous.  But, as I
+said, Emilia came of low people.  It was only her fine voice and great
+talents that brought her into the society where I met her.  I have
+never heard of her brother since.  I expect he is dead by this time. It
+is over twenty years ago.  But you can now understand why Mrs. Octagon
+objects to the marriage.  She has never forgiven me for not making her
+my wife."
+
+Cuthbert nodded again.  "But I can't understand why she should have
+consented at all, only to alter her mind when Selina died."
+
+"I can't understand that myself.  But I decline to mix myself up in the
+matter.  You will have to learn the reason yourself."
+
+"I intend to," said Mallow rising, "and the reason I am certain is
+connected with the violent death of her sister!"  A speech to which
+Caranby replied by shaking his head.  He did not agree with the idea.
+
+"And you see, in spite of Mrs. Octagon's hint, I had no reason to kill
+Selina," said Caranby gravely.  "I cannot understand why Isabella
+should accuse me--"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A PERPLEXING CASE
+
+
+The morning after his visit to Lord Caranby, Mallow was unexpectedly
+called to Devonshire on account of his mother's illness.  Mrs. Mallow
+was a fretful hypochondriac, who always imagined herself worse than she
+really was.  Cuthbert had often been summoned to her dying bed, only to
+find that she was alive and well.  He expected that this summons would
+be another false alarm, but being a dutiful son, he tore himself away
+from town and took the mid-day express to Exeter.  As he expected, Mrs.
+Mallow was by no means so bad as she hinted in her wire, and Cuthbert
+was vexed that she should have called him down, but she insisted that
+he should remain, and, unwilling to cause her pain, he did so.  It was
+four days before he returned to London.  But his visit to Exeter was
+not without results, for he asked his mother about Caranby's romance.
+Mrs. Mallow knew all about it, and highly disapproved of her
+brother-in-law.
+
+"He's crazy," she said vigorously, when the subject was brought up one
+evening.  "All his life he has been queer. Your father should have had
+the title, Cuthbert!"
+
+"Well, I shall have it some day," said her son soothingly. "Caranby is
+not likely to marry."
+
+"Yes, but I'll never be Lady Caranby," lamented Mrs. Mallow, who was
+intensely selfish and egotistical.  "And I should have adorned the
+title.  Such an old one as it is, too.  But I'm glad that horrid Selina
+Loach never became his wife.  Even that Saul girl would have been
+better."
+
+"Don't speak evil of the dead, mother."
+
+"I don't see why we should praise the bad dead," snapped Mrs. Mallow.
+"I never liked either Isabella nor Selina.  They were both horrid girls
+and constantly quarrelling.  They hardly ever spoke to one another, and
+how you can contemplate marrying the daughter of Isabella, I really
+don't know.  Such a slight to me.  But there, I've said all I had to
+say on the subject."
+
+To do her justice, Mrs. Mallow certainly had, and never ceased nagging
+at Cuthbert to break the engagement.  Had she known that Mrs. Octagon
+had forbidden the marriage she would have rejoiced, but to save making
+awkward explanations to a woman who would not hold her tongue, Cuthbert
+said nothing about the breach.
+
+"Did you like Miss Saul, mother?" he asked.
+
+"I only saw her on the concert platform," said Mrs. Mallow, opening her
+eyes, "gracious, Cuthbert, I never associated myself with those sort of
+people.  Caranby was infatuated with her.  To be sure, he got engaged
+to spite Selina, and she really did treat him badly, but I believe Miss
+Saul--such a horrid Hebrew name, isn't it--hypnotized him.  He forgot
+her almost as soon as she died, in spite of his ridiculous idea of
+shutting up that house.  And such valuable land as there is at Rexton
+too.  Well, I hope this violent death of Selina will be a warning to
+Caranby.  Not that I wish him any harm, in spite of your being next
+heir to the title, and we do need money."
+
+While Mrs. Mallow rambled on in this diffusive manner, Cuthbert was
+thinking.  When she ended, "Why should this death be a warning to
+Caranby?" he asked quickly.
+
+"Good gracious, Cuthbert, don't get on my nerves.  Why?--because I
+believe that Selina pushed Miss Saul off that plank and killed her.
+She was just the kind of violent girl who would do a thing like that.
+And Miss Saul's relatives have waited all these years to kill Selina,
+and now she's dead, they will kill Caranby because he did not marry the
+wretched girl."
+
+Cuthbert stared.  "Mother, what are you talking about? Caranby told me
+that Miss Saul had only one brother, and that probably he was dead."
+
+"Ah," said Mrs. Mallow, "he didn't tell you that Miss Saul's father was
+arrested for coining or passing false money, I forget which.  I believe
+the brother was involved also, but I can't be sure.  But I only know
+the girl was dead then, and the Saul family did not move in the matter,
+as the police knew too much about them.
+
+"Good gracious!" shuddered the lady, "to think if she had lived,
+Caranby would have married into that family and have cheated you of the
+title."
+
+"Are you sure of what you say, mother?"
+
+"Of course I am.  Look up any old file of newspapers and you'll read
+all about the matter.  It's old history now.  But I really won't talk
+any more of these things, Cuthbert.  If I do, there will be no sleep
+for me to-night.  Oh dear me, such nerves as I have."
+
+"Did you ever see Miss Saul, mother?"
+
+"I told you I did on the platform.  She was a fine, large, big girl,
+with a hook nose and big black eyes.  Rather like Selina and Isabella,
+for I'm sure they have Jewish blood in their veins.  Miss Saul--if that
+was her real name--might have passed as a relative of those horrid
+Loach girls."
+
+"Mrs. Octagon and her sister who died are certainly much alike."
+
+"Of course they are, and if Miss Saul had lived they would have been a
+kind of triplets.  I hate that style of beauty myself," said Mrs.
+Mallow, who was slim and fair, "so coarse. Everyone called those Loach
+girls pretty, but I never did myself.  I never liked them, and I won't
+call on Mrs. Octagon--such a vulgar name--if you marry fifty of her
+wretched daughters, Cuthbert."
+
+"Don't say that, mother.  Juliet is an angel!"
+
+"Then she can't be her mother's daughter," said Mrs. Mallow obscurely,
+and finished the discussion in what she considered to be a triumphant
+manner.  Nor would she renew it, though her son tried to learn more
+about the Loach and Saul families. However, he was satisfied with the
+knowledge he had acquired.
+
+While returning next day to London, he had ample time to think over
+what he had been told.  Miss Selina Loach had certainly shut herself up
+for many years in Rose Cottage, and it seemed as though she was afraid
+of being hurt in some way.  Perhaps she even anticipated a violent
+death.  And then Mrs. Octagon hinted that she knew who had killed her
+sister.  It might not have been Caranby after all, whom she meant, but
+one of the Saul family, as Mrs. Mallow suggested.
+
+"I wonder if it is as my mother thinks," mused Cuthbert, staring out of
+the window at the panorama of the landscape moving swiftly past.
+"Perhaps Selina did kill Miss Saul, and shut herself up to avoid being
+murdered by one of the relatives.  Caranby said that Selina did not go
+to the inquest, but pretended she was ill.  Then she and her sister
+went to the continent for two years, and finally, when they returned,
+Selina instead of taking her proper place in society as Isabella did,
+shut herself up as a recluse in Rose Cottage. The Saul family appear to
+have been a bad lot.  I should like to look up that coining case.  I
+wonder if I dare tell Jennings."
+
+He was doubtful of the wisdom of doing this.  If he told what he knew,
+and set Jennings on the track, it might be that a scandal would arise
+implicating Mrs. Octagon.  Not that Cuthbert cared much for her, but
+she was Juliet's mother, and he wanted to avert any trouble likely to
+cause the girl pain. A dozen times on the journey Cuthbert altered his
+mind.  First he thought he would tell Jennings, then he decided to hold
+his peace.  This indecision was not like him, but the case was so
+perplexing, and such serious issues were involved, that the young man
+felt thoroughly worried.
+
+Hitherto he had seen nothing new about the case in the papers, but on
+reaching Swindon he bought a few and looked through them.  His search
+was rewarded by finding an article on the crime.  The inquest had been
+held, and the jury had brought in a verdict of "Murder against some
+person or persons unknown!" But it was plainly stated that the police
+could not find a clue to the assassin.  The article in question did not
+pretend to solve the mystery, but collocated the facts so as to put the
+case in a nutshell.
+
+"The facts are these," said the journal, after a preliminary
+introduction.  "A quiet maiden lady living at Rose Cottage, Rexton,
+received three friends to a card-party.  Difference arising--and such
+things will arise amongst the best when cards are in question--two of
+the friends, Mrs. Herne, an old lady and life-long friend of the
+deceased, and Mr. Hale, a lawyer of repute and the legal adviser of
+Miss Loach, depart before ten o'clock.  In her evidence Mrs. Herne
+stated that she and Mr. Hale left at half-past nine, and her assertion
+was corroborated by Mr. Hale himself.  Mr. Clancy, the third friend,
+left at ten, being shown out by the maid Susan Grant, who then returned
+to the kitchen.  She left Miss Loach seated in her usual chair near the
+fire, and with a pack of cards on her lap.  Probably the deceased lady
+intended to play a game of 'Patience'!
+
+"The four servants, three women and a man, had their supper. During the
+supper the man asserted that he heard the front door open, but as Miss
+Loach was in the habit of walking in the garden before retiring, it was
+thought that she had gone out to take her usual stroll.  Whether the
+man heard the door open or shut he was not quite sure.  However,
+thinking his mistress was walking in the garden as usual, the man paid
+no further attention to the incident.  At eleven (precisely at eleven,
+for the kitchen clock struck), the sitting-room bell rang.  Susan Grant
+entered the room, and found Miss Loach seated in her chair exactly as
+she had left her, even to the fact that the cards were in her lap.  But
+she had been stabbed to the heart with some sharp instrument and was
+quite dead. The front door was closed and the windows barred.
+
+"Now it is certain that Miss Loach met her death between the hours of
+ten and eleven.  Susan Grant saw her alive at ten, seated in her usual
+chair with the cards on her lap, and at eleven, she there found her
+dead, still with the cards.  It would seem as though immediately after
+the servants left the room someone had stabbed the deceased to the
+heart, before she had time to rise or even alter her position.  But
+Susan Grant asserts that no one was in the room.  There was only one
+door, out of which she departed.  The bedroom of Miss Loach on the
+basement floor had a door which opened into the passage, as did the
+sitting-room door.  No one could have entered until the servant
+departed.  The passage was lighted with electricity, but she did not
+observe anyone about, nor did she hear a sound. She showed out Mr.
+Clancy and then returned to the kitchen. Certainly the assassin may
+have been concealed in the bedroom and have stolen into the
+sitting-room when Susan Grant was showing out Mr. Clancy.  Perhaps then
+he killed the deceased suddenly, as we said before.  He could have then
+come up the stairs and have escaped while the servants were at supper.
+It might have been the murderer who opened the door, and was overheard
+by Thomas.
+
+"The policeman was on duty about ten, as he was seen by Susan Grant
+when she showed Mr. Clancy to the door.  The policeman also asserted
+that he was again on the spot--i.e., in the roadway opposite the
+cottage--at eleven.  At these times the assassin could not have escaped
+without being seen.  There is no exit at the back, as a high wall
+running round an unfinished house belonging to the eccentric Lord
+Caranby blocks the way.  Therefore the assassin must have ventured into
+the roadway.  He could then have walked up the lane into the main
+streets of Rexton, or have taken a path opposite to the gate of Rose
+Cottage, which leads to the railway station. Probably, after executing
+the crime, he took this latter way. The path runs between quickset
+hedges, rather high, for a long distance, past houses, and ends within
+fifty yards of the railway station.  The criminal could take the first
+train and get to town, there to lose himself in the wilderness of
+London.
+
+"So far so good.  But the strangest thing about this most mysterious
+affair is that the bell in the sitting-room rang two minutes before
+Susan Grant entered the room to find her mistress dead.  This was some
+time after the closing of the door overheard by Thomas; therefore the
+assassin could not have escaped that way.  Moreover, by this time the
+policeman was standing blocking the pathway to the station.  Again, the
+alarm was given immediately by the other servants, who rushed to the
+sitting-room on hearing Susan's scream, and the policeman at once
+searched the house.  No one was found.
+
+"Now what are we to make of all this?  The doctor declares that Miss
+Loach when discovered had been dead half an hour, which corresponds
+with the time the door was heard to open or shut by Thomas.  So far, it
+would seem that the assassin had escaped then, having committed the
+crime and found the coast inside and outside the house clear for his
+flight.  But who rang the bell?  That is the question we ask.  The
+deceased could not have done so, as, according to the doctor, the poor
+lady must have died immediately.  Again, the assassin would not have
+been so foolish as to ring and thus draw attention to his crime,
+letting alone the question that he could not have escaped at that late
+hour.  We can only offer this solution.
+
+"The assassin must have been concealed in the bedroom, and after Susan
+ascended the stairs to let Mr. Clancy out, he must have stolen into the
+sitting-room and have killed the old lady before she could even rise.
+She might have touched the bell, and the button (the bell is an
+electric one) may have got fixed.  Later on, the heat of the room,
+warping the wood round the ivory button, may have caused it to slip
+out, and thus the bell would have rung.  Of course our readers may say
+that when pressed down the bell would have rung continuously, but an
+examination has revealed that the wires were out of order.  It is not
+improbable that the sudden release of the button may have touched the
+wires and have set them ringing.  The peal is described as being short
+and sharp.  This theory is a weak one, we are aware, but the whole case
+is so mysterious that, weak as it is, we can offer no other solution.
+
+"Mrs. Herne, the servants, and Messrs. Hale and Clancy were examined.
+All insist that Miss Loach was in her usual health and spirits, and had
+no idea of committing suicide, or of being in any danger of sudden
+death.  The weapon cannot be discovered, nor the means--save as we
+suggest above--whereby the assassin can have made his escape.  The
+whole affair is one of the most mysterious of late years, and will
+doubtless be relegated to the list of undiscovered crimes. The police
+have no clue, and apparently despair of finding one.  But the discovery
+of the mystery lies in the bell.  Who rang it? or did it ring of
+itself, as we suggest above."
+
+Cuthbert laid down the paper with a shrug.  The article did not commend
+itself to him, save as the means of making a precis of the case.  The
+theory of the bell appeared excessively weak, and he could not
+understand a man being so foolish as to put it forward.
+
+"If the button was pressed down by Miss Loach, the bell would have rung
+at once," argued Cuthbert; "and when it slipped up, even with the heat,
+the ringing would have stopped.  But the bell rang at eleven, and the
+girl was in the room two minutes later.  Someone must have rung it.
+But why did someone do this, and how did someone escape after ringing
+in so fool-hardy a manner?"
+
+He could not find an answer to this question.  The whole case was
+indeed most perplexing.  There seemed absolutely no answer to the
+riddle.  Even supposing Miss Loach had been murdered out of a
+long-delayed revenge by a member of the Saul family--and that theory
+appeared ridiculous to Mallow--the question was how did the assassin
+escape?  Certainly, having regard to the cards still being on the lap
+of the deceased, and the closing of the door at a time when the
+policeman was not in the vicinity, the assassin may have escaped in
+that way.  But how did he come to be hidden in the bedroom, and how did
+he kill the old lady before she had time to call out or even rise,
+seeing that he had the whole length of the room to cross before
+reaching her?  And again, the escape of the assassin at this hour did
+not explain the ringing of the bell. Cuthbert was deeply interested,
+and wondered if the mystery would ever be solved.  "I must see Jennings
+after all," he thought as the train steamed into Paddington.
+
+And see Jennings he did, sooner than he expected.  That same evening
+when he was dressing to go out, a card was brought. It was inscribed
+"Miles Jennings."  Rather surprised that the detective should seek him
+out so promptly, Cuthbert entered his sitting-room.  Jennings, who was
+standing with his back to the window, saluted him with a pleasant
+smile, and spoke to him as to an equal.  Of course he had every right
+to do so since he had been at school with Mallow, but somehow the
+familiarity irritated Cuthbert.
+
+"Well, Jennings, what is it?"
+
+"I came to ask you a few questions, Mallow."
+
+"About what?"
+
+"About the murder at Rose Cottage."
+
+"But, my dear fellow, I know nothing about it."
+
+"You knew Miss Loach?"
+
+"Yes.  I saw her once or twice.  But I did not like her."
+
+"She is the aunt of the young lady you are engaged to marry?"
+
+Mallow drew himself up stiffly.  "As a matter of fact she is," he said
+with marked coldness.  "But I don't see--"
+
+"You will in a minute," said Jennings briskly.   "Pardon me, but are
+you in love with another woman?"
+
+Mallow grew red.  "What the devil do you mean by coming here to ask me
+such a question?" he demanded.
+
+"Gently, Mallow, I am your friend, and you may need one."
+
+"What do you mean.  Do you accuse me of--"
+
+"I accuse you of nothing," said Jennings quickly, "but I ask you, why
+did you give this photograph, with an inscription, to the servant of
+the murdered woman."
+
+"I recognize my photograph, but the servant--"
+
+"Susan Grant.  The picture was found in her possession.  She refuses to
+speak," here the detective spoke lower, "in case you get into trouble
+with the police."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE DETECTIVE
+
+
+The two men looked at one another, Jennings searchingly, and Cuthbert
+with a look of mingled amazement and indignation. They were rather like
+in looks, both being tall, slim and fair-haired.  But Mallow wore a
+mustache, whereas the detective, possibly for the sake of disguising
+himself on occasions, was clean-shaven.  But although Jennings'
+profession was scarcely that of a gentleman, he looked well-bred, and
+was dressed with the same quiet taste and refinement as characterized
+Mallow.  The public-school stamp was on both, and they might have been
+a couple of young men about town discussing sport rather than an
+officer of the law and a man who (it seemed from Jennings' hints) was
+suspected of complicity in a crime.
+
+"Do you mean this for a jest?" said Cuthbert at length.
+
+"I never jest on matters connected with my profession, Mallow. It is
+too serious a one."
+
+"Naturally.  It so often involves the issues of life and death."
+
+"In this case I hope it does not," said Jennings, significantly.
+
+Cuthbert, who was recovering his composure, sat down with a shrug.  "I
+assure you, you have found a mare's nest this time. Whatever my follies
+may have been, I am not a criminal."
+
+"I never thought you were," rejoined the other, also taking a seat,
+"but you may have become involved with people who are criminals."
+
+"I dare say half of those one meets in society are worthy of jail, did
+one know what is done under the rose," returned Cuthbert; "by the way,
+how did you come so opportunely?"
+
+"I knew you had gone out of town, as I came a few days ago to see you
+about this matter, and inquired.  Your servant said you were in
+Devonshire--"
+
+"I went to see my mother who was ill," said Mallow quickly.
+
+"I guessed as much.  You said something about your mother living in
+Exeter when we met last.  Well, I had Paddington watch for your return,
+and my messenger--"
+
+"Your spy, you mean," said Mallow angrily.
+
+"Certainly, if you prefer the term.  Well, your spy--I mean my spy,
+reported that you were back, so I came on here.  Are you going out?"
+
+"I was, but if you wish to arrest me--"
+
+"Nonsense, man.  I have only come to have a quiet chat with you.
+Believe me, I wish you well.  I have not forgotten the old Eton days."
+
+"I tell you what, Jennings, I won't stand this talk from any man.  Are
+you here as a gentleman or as a detective?"
+
+"As both, I hope," replied the other dryly, "but are we not wasting
+valuable time?  If you wish to go out this evening, the sooner we get
+to business the better.  Will you answer my questions?"
+
+"I must know what they are first," said Cuthbert defiantly.
+
+Jennings looked irritated.  "If you won't treat me properly, I may as
+well leave the matter alone," he said coldly.  "My position is quite
+unpleasant enough as it is.  I came here to an old schoolfellow as a
+friend--"
+
+"To try and implicate him in a crime.  Thanks for nothing."
+
+Jennings, whose patience appeared to be exhausted, rose. "Very well,
+then, Mallow.  I shall go away and hand over the matter to someone
+else.  I assure you the questions must be answered."
+
+Cuthbert made a sign to the other to be seated, which Jennings seemed
+by no means inclined to obey.  He stood stiffly by his chair as Mallow
+paced the room reflectively.  "After all, I don't see why we should
+quarrel," said the latter at length.
+
+"That's just what I've been driving at for the last ten minutes."
+
+"Very good," said Mallow soothingly, "let us sit down and smoke.  I
+have no particular engagement, and if you will have some coffee--"
+
+"I will have both cigarette and coffee if you will help me to unravel
+this case," said Jennings, sitting down with a smoother brow.
+
+"But I don't see what I can--"
+
+"You'll see shortly.  Will you be open with me?"
+
+"That requires reflection."
+
+"Reflect as long as you like.  But if you decline, I will hand the case
+over to the next man on the Scotland Yard list.  He may not deal with
+you so gently."
+
+"I don't care how he deals with me," returned Mallow, haughtily;
+"having done no wrong, I am not afraid.  And, what is more, Jennings, I
+was coming to see you as soon as I returned.  You have only forestalled
+our interview."
+
+"What did you wish to see me about?"
+
+"This case," said Cuthbert, getting out a box of cigarettes and
+touching the bell. "The deuce!" said Jennings briskly, "then you do
+know something?"
+
+Cuthbert handed him the box and gave an order for coffee. "Any
+liqueur?" he asked in friendly tones.
+
+"No.  I never drink when on--ah--er--pleasure," said the other,
+substituting another word since the servant was in the room.  "Well,"
+he asked when the door closed, "why did you wish to see me?"
+
+"To ask if you remember a coining case that took place some twenty
+years ago?"
+
+"No.  That was before my time.  What case is it?"
+
+"Some people called Saul were mixed up in it."
+
+"Humph!  Never heard of them," said Jennings, lighting his cigarette,
+"but it is strange you should talk of coining.  I and several other
+fellows are looking for a set of coiners now.  There are a lot of false
+coins circulating, and they are marvellously made.  If I can only lay
+my hands on the coiners and their factory, there will be a sensation."
+
+"And your reputation will be enhanced."
+
+"I hope so," replied the detective, reddening.  "I want a rise in my
+salary, as I wish to marry.  By the way, how is Miss Saxon?"
+
+"Very well.  You met her, did you not?"
+
+"Yes!  You took me to that queer house.  What do they call it?
+the--'Shrine of the Muses'--where all the sham art exists. Why do you
+look so grave, old boy?"
+
+The two men, getting more confidential, were dropping into the language
+of school-days and speaking more familiarly.  Mallow did not reply at
+once, as his servant had just brought in the coffee.  But when each
+gentleman was supplied with a cup and they were again alone, he looked
+gravely at Miles.  "I want to ask your advice," he said, "and if you
+are my friend--"
+
+"I am, of course I am."
+
+"Well, then, I am as interested in finding out who killed Miss Loach as
+you are."
+
+"Why is that?" demanded Jennings, puzzled.
+
+"Before I answer and make a clean breast of it, I should like you to
+promise that you will get no one I know into trouble."
+
+Jennings hesitated.  "That is a difficult matter.  Of course, if I find
+the assassin, even if he or she is one of your friends, I must do my
+duty."
+
+"Oh, I don't expect anything of that sort," said Mallow easily, "but
+why do you say 'he' or 'she'?"
+
+"Well, the person who killed Miss Loach might be a woman."
+
+"I don't see how you make that out," said Cuthbert reflectively.  "I
+read the case coming up in the train to-day, and it seems to me from
+what The Planet says that the whole thing is a mystery."
+
+"One which I mean to dive into and discover," replied Miles. "I do not
+care for an ordinary murder case, but this is one after my own heart.
+It is a criminal problem which I should like to work out."
+
+"Do you see your way as yet?" asked Cuthbert.
+
+"No," confessed Jennings, "I do not.  I saw the report you speak of.
+The writer theorizes without having facts to go on. What he says about
+the bell is absurd.  All the same, the bell did ring and the assassin
+could not have escaped at the time it sounded.  Nor could the deceased
+have rung it.  Therein lies the mystery, and I can't guess how the
+business was managed."
+
+"Do you believe the assassin rang the bell?"
+
+Miles shrugged his shoulders and sipped his coffee.  "It is impossible
+to say.  I will wait until I have more facts before me before I venture
+an opinion.  It is only in detective novels that the heaven-born Vidocq
+can guess the truth on a few stray clues.  But what were you going to
+tell me?"
+
+"Will you keep what I say to yourself?"
+
+"Yes," said Jennings, readily enough, "so long as it doesn't mean the
+escape of the person who is guilty."
+
+"I don't ask you to betray the confidence placed in you by the
+authorities to that extent," said Mallow, "just wait a moment."
+
+He leaned his chin on his hand and thought.  If he wished to gain the
+hand of Juliet, it was necessary he should clear up the mystery of the
+death.  Unaided, he could not do so, but with the assistance of his old
+schoolfellow--following his lead in fact--he might get at the truth.
+Then, when the name of the assassin of her sister was known, the reason
+of Mrs. Octagon's strange behavior might be learned, and, moreover, the
+discovery might remove her objection.  On the other hand, Cuthbert
+could not help feeling uneasy, lest Mrs. Octagon had some secret
+connected with the death which made her refuse her consent to the
+match, and which, if he explained to Jennings what he knew, might
+become known in a quarter which she might not approve of.  However,
+Mallow was certain that, in spite of Mrs. Octagon's hint, his uncle had
+nothing to do with the matter, and he had already warned her--although
+she refused to listen--that he intended to trace the assassin.  Under
+these circumstances, and also because Jennings was his friend and more
+likely to aid him, than get anyone he knew and respected into trouble,
+the young man made up his mind to tell everything.
+
+"The fact is, I am engaged to Juliet Saxon," he began, hesitatingly.
+
+"I know that.  She is the daughter of that absurd Mrs. Octagon, with
+the meek husband and the fine opinion of herself."
+
+"Yes.  But Juliet is the niece of Miss Loach."
+
+"What!" Jennings sprang from his chair with a look of surprise; "do you
+mean to tell me that Mrs. Octagon is Miss Loach's sister."
+
+"I do.  They quarrelled many years ago, and have not been friendly for
+years.  Mrs. Octagon would never go and see her sister, but she did not
+forbid her children being friendly. As you may guess, Mrs. Octagon is
+much distressed about the murder, but the strange thing is that she
+declares this death renders it impossible for me to marry her daughter."
+
+Jennings looked searchingly at his friend.  "That is strange. Does she
+give no reason?"
+
+"No.  But knowing my uncle knew her when she was a girl, I thought I
+would ask him what he thought.  He told me that he had once been
+engaged to Miss Loach, and--"
+
+"Well, go on," said Miles, seeing Cuthbert hesitating.
+
+"There was another lady in the case."
+
+"There usually is," said Jennings dryly.  "Well?"
+
+"The other lady's name was Saul--Emilia Saul."
+
+"Oh," Miles sat down again.  He had remained standing for a few
+moments.  "Saul was the name you mentioned in connection with the
+coining case of twenty years ago."
+
+Cuthbert nodded, and now, being fully convinced that he badly needed
+Jennings' aid, he told all that he had heard from Caranby, and detailed
+what his mother had said.  Also, he touched on the speech of Mrs.
+Octagon, and repeated the warning he had given her.  Miles listened
+quietly, but made no remark till his friend finished.
+
+"You have told me all you know?" he asked.
+
+"Yes.  I want you to help me.  Not that I think what I have learned has
+anything to do with the case."
+
+"I'm not so sure of that," said Jennings musingly, his eyes on the
+carpet.  "Mrs. Octagon bases her refusal to allow the marriage on the
+fact of the death.  However, you have warned her, and she must take the
+consequence."
+
+"But, my dear Jennings, you don't think she has anything to do with the
+matter.  I assure you she is a good, kind woman--"
+
+"With a violent temper, according to your mother," finished Jennings
+dryly.  "However, don't alarm yourself.  I don't think she is guilty."
+
+"I should think not," cried Mallow, indignantly.  "Juliet's mother!"
+
+"But she may have something to do with the matter all the same.
+However, you have been plain with me, and I will do all I can to help
+you.  The first thing is for us to follow up the clue of the portrait."
+
+"Ah, yes!  I had quite forgotten that," said Mallow, casting a look on
+the photograph which lay near at hand.  "Just pass it, will you."
+
+Miles did so.  "You say you recognize it," he said.
+
+"I recognize my own face.  I had several portraits done like this.  I
+think this one--" Mallow looked at the inscription which he read for
+the first time, and his face grew pale.
+
+"What is it?" asked Miles eagerly.
+
+"I don't know," faltered the other uneasily.
+
+"You recognize the inscription?"
+
+"Yes, I certainly wrote that."
+
+"It is quite a tender inscription," said Miles, his eyes on the
+disturbed face of the other.  "'With my dear love,' it reads."
+
+Cuthbert laid down the portrait and nodded.  "Yes!  That is the
+inscription," he said in low tones, and his eyes sought the carpet.
+
+"You wrote that to a servant."
+
+"What servant?"
+
+"The new parlor-maid engaged by Miss Loach on the day of her
+death--Susan Grant."
+
+"I remember the name.  I saw it in the papers."
+
+"Do you know the girl well?" asked Jennings.
+
+"I don't know her at all."
+
+"Come now.  A man doesn't give a portrait with such an inscription to
+any unknown girl, nor to one he is not in love with."
+
+"Jennings," cried Mallow indignantly, "how can you think--" his voice
+died away and he clenched his hands.
+
+"What am I to think then?" demanded the detective.
+
+"What you like."
+
+"That you love this Susan Grant?"
+
+"I tell you I never set eyes on her," said Cuthbert violently.
+
+"Then how does she come into possession of your portrait?" asked the
+other.  Then seeing that Mallow refused to speak, he laid a persuasive
+hand on his shoulder.  "You must speak out," he said quickly, "you have
+told me so much you must tell me all.  Matters can't stand as they are.
+No," here Jennings looked straight into Mallow's eyes, "you did not
+give that portrait to Susan Grant."
+
+"I never said so."
+
+"Don't be an ass, Mallow.  You say you don't know the girl, therefore
+you can hardly have given her the photograph.  Now the inscription
+shows that it was given to a woman you are in love with.  You told me
+when you introduced me to Miss Saxon that she was the only woman you
+ever loved.  Therefore you gave this portrait with its tender
+inscription to her."
+
+"I--I can't say."
+
+"You mean you won't trust me," said Jennings.
+
+Cuthbert rose quickly and flung off his friend's arm.  "I wish to
+Heaven I had never opened my mouth to you," he said.
+
+"My dear fellow, you should show more confidence in me.  I know quite
+well why you won't acknowledge that you gave this photograph to Miss
+Saxon.  You think it will implicate her in the matter."
+
+"Jennings!" cried Cuthbert, his face growing red and fierce.
+
+"Wait a moment," resumed the other calmly and without flinching.  "I
+can explain.  You gave the photograph to Miss Saxon.  She gave it to
+Miss Loach, and Susan Grant falling in love with your face, took
+possession of it.  It was found in her trunk."
+
+"Yes--yes, that's it!" cried Mallow, catching at a straw. "I did give
+the photograph to Juliet, and no doubt she gave it to her aunt.  It
+would be easy for this girl to take it. Though why she should steal
+it," said Cuthbert perplexed, "I really can't say!"
+
+"You don't know her?" asked Jennings.
+
+"No.  Really, I don't.  The name is quite unknown to me.  What is the
+girl like in appearance?"  Jennings described Susan to the best of his
+ability, but Cuthbert shook his head.  "No, I never saw her.  You say
+she had this photograph in her trunk?" Then, on receiving an
+affirmative reply, "She may have found it lying about and have taken
+it, though why she should I can't say."
+
+"So you said before," said Jennings dryly.  "But strange as it may
+appear, Mallow, this girl is in love with you."
+
+"How do you know that?"
+
+"Well, you see," said Miles, slowly.  "After the murder I searched the
+boxes of the servants in the house for the weapon."
+
+"But there was no danger of them being accused?"
+
+"No.  Nor would I have searched their boxes had they not insisted.  But
+they were all so afraid of being accused, that they wished to exonerate
+themselves as much as possible.  The fact that the whole four were in
+the kitchen together at the time the crime was committed quite clears
+them.  However, they insisted, so I looked into their boxes.  I found
+this photograph in the box of the new housemaid.  She refused to state
+how it came into her possession, and became so red, and wept so much,
+that I soon saw that she loved you."
+
+"But I tell you it's ridiculous.  I don't know the girl--and a servant,
+too.  Pshaw!"
+
+"Well, then, I must get her to see you, and possibly some explanation
+may be made.  I took possession of the photograph--"
+
+"Why?  On what grounds should my photograph interest you, Jennings?"
+
+"On the grounds that you are a friend of mine, and that I knew your
+face the moment I saw it.  I naturally asked the girl how it came into
+her possession, as I know your tastes don't lie in the way of pretty
+parlor-maids, however attractive.  It was her reply which made me take
+the portrait and come to ask you for an explanation."
+
+"What reply did she make?" demanded Cuthbert, exasperated by the false
+position he was placed in.
+
+"She said that she would explain nothing in case you should get into
+trouble with the police.  Can you explain that?"
+
+"No," said Mallow, perplexed.  "I really cannot be responsible for the
+vagaries of a parlor-maid.  I don't know the name Susan Grant, and from
+your description of her appearance, I never set eyes on her.  I am
+quite sure your explanation is the correct one.  Juliet gave it to her
+aunt, and for some ridiculous reason this girl stole it."
+
+"But her remark about the police."
+
+Mallow made a gesture of helplessness, and leaned his elbow on the
+mantelpiece.  "I can't guess what she means.  Well, what will you do
+now, Jennings?"
+
+"First, I shall get the girl to come here and see you.  Then I shall
+ask Miss Saxon why she gave the photograph to Miss Loach.  You were not
+a favorite with the old lady, I gather."
+
+"On the contrary, she liked me much more than I did her."
+
+"You see.  She liked you so much that she insisted on having your
+photograph.  I must ask Miss Saxon when she gave it. Will you let me
+bring this girl to see you to-morrow?"
+
+"Certainly.  But it's all very unpleasant."
+
+The detective rose to go.  "Most matters connected with a crime are, my
+dear fellow," said he calmly.  "I only hope there will not be any more
+unpleasantness."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I can't say what I mean--yet."
+
+"You are mysterious, Jennings."
+
+"I am perplexed.  I don't seem to advance.  However, I intend to follow
+up the clue of your photograph, though if the explanation I suggest is
+the true one, there's nothing more to be said.  But the girl, Susan
+Grant, has not the look of a thief."
+
+"That means, I gave her the photograph," said Cuthbert haughtily.
+
+"Not necessarily," rejoined Jennings, putting on his overcoat. "But I
+will not theorize any more.  Wait till I confront the girl with you in
+a few days.  Then we may force her to speak."
+
+Cuthbert shrugged his shoulders.  "As you please.  But I really am at a
+loss to think what she will say."
+
+"So am I," said Jennings, as they walked to the door.  "That is why I
+am anxious to see her and you together.  And, after all, I may have
+found only a mare's nest."
+
+"You certainly have so far as I am concerned.  By the way, when is the
+body to be buried?"
+
+"The day after to-morrow.  Then the will has to be read.  I hope the
+old lady will leave you some money, Mallow.  She was reported to be
+rich.  Oh, by the way, I'll look up that Saul coining case you speak
+of."
+
+"Why?" asked Mallow, bluntly and uneasily.
+
+"It may have some bearing on this matter.  Only in the past will we
+find the truth.  And Miss Selina Loach certainly knew Miss Saul."
+
+As Jennings departed the postman came up the stairs with the late
+letters.  Cuthbert found one from Juliet and opened it at once.  It
+contained one line--
+
+"Don't see the police about aunt's death--JULIET."
+
+Cuthbert Mallow slept very badly that night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE
+
+
+The most obvious thing for Cuthbert to do was to seek Juliet and ask
+for an explanation of her mysterious note.  He went to the "Shrine of
+the Muses" the very next day, but was informed that Miss Saxon and her
+mother had gone out of town and would not be back for a few days.  He
+could not learn where they were, and was leaving the house somewhat
+disconsolately when he met Basil.
+
+"You here, Mallow," said that young gentleman, stopping short, "have
+you been to see my mother?"
+
+"I went to see Juliet," replied Cuthbert, not sorry that the meeting
+had taken place, "but I hear she is out of town."
+
+"Well, not exactly.  The fact is, she and my mother have gone down to
+Rose Cottage and intend to stop there until the funeral is over and the
+will is read."
+
+"The will?" echoed Mallow.
+
+"Yes.  Aunt Selina is likely to leave a great deal of money. I expect
+it will all go to Juliet.  She never liked me."
+
+"Yet you were frequently at her house."
+
+"I was," confessed Basil candidly.  "I tried to make myself as civil as
+possible, so that she might remember me.  Between ourselves, Mallow, I
+am deuced hard up.  My mother hasn't much money, I have none of my own,
+and old Octagon is as stingy as he well can be."
+
+This sounded well coming from an idler who never did a stroke of work,
+and who lived on the charity of his step-father.  But Basil had
+peculiar views as to money.  He considered himself a genius, and that
+Peter should be proud to support him until, as he phrased it, he had
+"stamped his name on the age"!  But the stamping took a long time, and
+Basil troubled himself very little about the matter.  He remarked that
+genius should not be forced, and loafed away the greater portion of his
+days. His mother kept him in pocket-money and clothes, Peter supplied
+board and lodging, and Basil got through life very pleasantly.  He
+wished to be famous, to have his name in every mouth and his portrait
+in every paper; but the work that was necessary to obtain these
+desirable things he was unwilling to do.  Cuthbert knew that the young
+fellow had been "born tired"! and although something of an idler
+himself, liked Basil none the more for his laziness.  Had Mallow been
+poor he would certainly have earned his bread, but he had a good income
+and did not work.  And, after all, he only pursued the way of life in
+which he had been brought up.  But Basil was poor and had his career to
+make, therefore he certainly should have labored.  However, for
+Juliet's sake, Cuthbert was as polite as possible.
+
+"If I were you, Saxon, I should leave cards alone," said Mallow.
+
+"Nonsense!  I don't play high.  Besides, I have seen you at Maraquito's
+also losing a lot."
+
+"I can afford to lose," said Cuthbert dryly, "you can't."
+
+"No, by Jove, you're right there.  But don't preach, Mallow, you ain't
+such a saint yourself."
+
+"Can I help you with a cheque?"
+
+Basil had good breeding enough to color.
+
+"No!  I didn't explain myself for that," he said coldly, "and besides,
+if Juliet comes in for Aunt Selina's money, I'll get some.  Juliet and
+I always share."
+
+This meant that Juliet was to give the money and Basil to spend it.
+Mallow was disgusted with this candid selfishness. However, he did not
+wish to quarrel with Basil, as he knew Juliet was fond of him, and
+moreover, in the present state of affairs, he was anxious to have
+another friend besides Mr. Octagon in the house.  "Perhaps Miss Loach
+may have left you some money after all," he remarked.
+
+"By Jove, I hope so.  I'll be in a hole if she has not. There's a
+bill--" here he stopped, as though conscious of having said too much.
+"But that will come into Juliet's possession," he murmured.
+
+"What's that?" asked Cuthbert sharply.
+
+"Nothing--nothing--only a tailor's bill.  As to getting money by the
+will, don't you know I quarrelled with Aunt Selina a week before her
+death.  Yes, she turned me out of the house."  Here Basil's face
+assumed what may be described as an ugly look.  "I should like to have
+got even with the old cat. She insulted me."
+
+"Gently, old fellow," said Mallow, seeing that Basil was losing his
+temper, and having occasionally seen him in fits of uncontrollable
+passion, "we're in the public street."
+
+Basil's brow cleared.  "All right," he said, "don't bother, I'll be all
+right when Juliet gets the money.  By the way, mother tells me you are
+not going to marry her."
+
+"Your mother is mistaken," rejoined Mallow gravely.  "Juliet and I are
+still engaged.  I do not intend to give her up."
+
+"I told mother you would not give in easily," said Basil, frowning,
+"but you can't marry Juliet."
+
+"Why not?" asked Cuthbert sharply; "do you know the reason?"
+
+Basil appeared about to say something, then suddenly closed his mouth
+and shook his head.
+
+Cuthbert pressed him.  "If you know the reason, tell me," he said, "and
+I'll help you out of your difficulties.  You know I love Juliet, and
+your mother does not seem to have any excuse to forbid the marriage."
+
+"I would help you if I could, but I can't.  You had better ask Juliet
+herself.  She may tell you the reason."
+
+"How can I find her?"
+
+"Go down to Rose Cottage and ask to see her," suggested Basil.
+
+"Your mother will not admit me."
+
+"That's true enough.  Well, I'll tell you what, Mallow, I'll speak to
+Juliet and get her to make an appointment to see you."
+
+"I could write and ask her for one myself."
+
+"Oh, no, you couldn't.  Mother will intercept all letters."
+
+"Upon my word--" began Mallow angrily, then stopped.  It was useless to
+show his wrath before this silly boy, who could do no good and might do
+a deal of harm.  "Very well, then," he said more mildly, "ask Juliet to
+meet me on the other side of Rexton, under the wall which runs round
+the unfinished house."
+
+Basil started.  "Why that place?" he asked nervously.
+
+"It is as good as any other."
+
+"You can't get inside."
+
+"That's true enough.  But we can meet outside.  I have been inside
+though, and I made a mess of myself climbing the wall."
+
+"You were inside," began Basil, then suddenly appeared relieved.  "I
+remember; you were there on the day after Aunt Selina was killed."
+
+"I have been there before that," said Cuthbert, wondering why the young
+man avoided his eye in so nervous a manner.
+
+"Not at--at night?" murmured Saxon, looking away.
+
+"Once I was there at night.  Why do you ask?"
+
+"Oh, nothing--nothing.  I was just thinking it's a wild place in which
+to find one's self at night.  By the way," added Basil, as though
+anxious to change a disagreeable subject, "do you think Jarvey Hale a
+nice fellow?"
+
+"No, I don't.  I have met him at Maraquito's, and I don't like him.
+He's a bounder.  Moreover, a respectable lawyer has no right to gamble
+to the extent he does.  I wonder Miss Loach trusted him."
+
+"Perhaps she didn't know of his gambling," said Basil, his eyes
+wandering everywhere but to the face of his companion; "but, should you
+think Hale would be hard on a fellow?"
+
+"Yes, I should.  Do you owe him money?"
+
+"A few pounds.  He won't give me time to pay.  And I say, Mallow, I
+suppose all Aunt Selina's affairs will be left in Hale's hands?"
+
+"I can't say.  It depends upon the will.  If everything is left to
+Juliet, unconditionally, she may take her affairs out of Hale's hands.
+I should certainly advise her to do so. He's too intimate with
+Maraquito and her gambling salon to be a decent lawyer."
+
+"You do seem down on gambling," said Basil, "yet you gamble yourself a
+lot.  But I expect Juliet will change her lawyer. I hope she will."
+
+"Why?" asked Cuthbert sharply.
+
+"Oh," replied Basil, confused, "because I agree with you. A gambler
+will not make a good lawyer--or a good husband either," he added in an
+abrupt tone.  "Good-day.  I'll tell Juliet," and he was off before
+Mallow could find words to answer his last remark.
+
+Cuthbert, walking back to his rooms, wondered if it was on account of
+the gambling that Mrs. Octagon objected to the marriage.  He really did
+not gamble much, but occasionally he dropped into Maraquito's house,
+and there lost or won a few pounds.  Here he had often met Basil, and
+without doubt the young man had told his mother.  But he could hardly
+do this without incriminating himself.  All the same, Basil was a
+thorough liar, and a confirmed tattler.  He might have blackened
+Mallow's character, and yet have told a story to exonerate himself.
+His friendship appeared feigned, and Cuthbert doubted if he would
+really tell Juliet of the appointment.
+
+"That young man's in trouble," thought Mallow, "he is anxious about
+Hale, and I shouldn't wonder if that respectable person had lent him a
+large sum of money.  Probably he counts on getting the money from
+Juliet, should she inherit the fortune of Miss Loach.  Also he seems
+annoyed that I should have been in Caranby's unfinished house at night.
+I wonder what he would say if he knew my reason for going there.
+Humph!  I must keep that quiet.  The only person I dare tell is Juliet;
+but I can't speak to her about the matter just yet.  And after all,
+there is no need to mention my visit.  It does not concern her in the
+least.  I wonder," here Cuthbert stopped, struck with an idea.  "By
+George! can it be that Basil was near Rose Cottage on the night the
+crime was committed? Juliet may know that, and so, fearful lest he
+should be accused of the murder, asked me to stop proceedings.  Can
+Basil Saxon be guilty?  No," Mallow shook his head and resumed his
+walk, "he has not pluck enough to kill a fly."
+
+After this he dismissed the matter from his thoughts and waited
+expectant of a letter from Juliet.  None came, and he was convinced
+that Basil had not delivered the message.  This being the case,
+Cuthbert determined to act for himself, and one afternoon went down to
+Rexton.  That same evening he had an appointment with Jennings, who was
+to bring Susan Grant to Mallow's rooms.  But the young man quite
+expected to be back in time to keep the appointment, and meantime he
+spent an hour wandering round Rexton in the vicinity of Rose Cottage.
+But afraid lest Mrs. Octagon should see him and keep Juliet within
+doors, he abstained from passing in front of the house and waited on
+the path which led to the station.
+
+While watching the cottage, a young woman came along the path. She was
+neatly dressed and looked like a servant.  Cuthbert pressed himself
+against the quickset hedge to allow her to pass, as there was very
+little room.  The girl started as she murmured her thanks, and grew
+crimson on seeing his face. Cuthbert, not thinking, gave a passing
+thought to her looks and wondered why she had blushed.  But when he saw
+her enter the gate of Rose Cottage--she looked back twice--he recalled
+the description of Jennings.
+
+"By George!" he thought, "that was Susan Grant.  I wish I had spoken to
+her.  I wonder why she blushed.  She can't be in love with me, as I
+never saw her before.  All the same, it is strange about the portrait."
+
+It was now about four o'clock, and Cuthbert fancied that after all it
+would be best to boldly ring at the door and ask admission, in spite of
+Mrs. Octagon.
+
+But while hesitating to risk all his chances of seeing Juliet on one
+throw of fortune's dice, the matter was decided for him by the
+appearance of Juliet herself.  She came out of the gate and walked
+directly towards the path.  It would seem as though she expected to
+find Cuthbert, for she walked straight up to him and caught his hand.
+There was no one about to see their meeting, but Juliet was not
+disposed to behave tenderly.
+
+"Why are you here?" she asked.  "Susan Grant told me you--"
+
+"Susan Grant!" echoed Cuthbert, resolved not to know too much in the
+presence of Juliet.  "I saw her name in the papers. How does she know
+me?"
+
+"I can't say," said Juliet quickly; "come along this way." She hurried
+along the narrow path, talking all the time.  "She came in just now and
+said you were waiting in the by-path.  I came out at once.  I don't
+want my mother to see you."
+
+"Really!" cried Cuthbert, rather nettled.  "I don't see that I have any
+reason to avoid Mrs. Octagon."
+
+"She will not allow me to see you.  If she knew I was meeting you she
+would be very angry.  We are here only till to-morrow. Now that Aunt
+Selina is buried and the will read, we return to Kensington at once.
+Come this way.  Let us get into the open. I don't wish my mother to
+follow and find me speaking to you."
+
+They emerged into a waste piece of land, distant a stone-throw from the
+railway station, but secluded by reason of many trees and shrubs.
+These, belonging to the old Rexton estate, had not yet been rooted up
+by the builder, and there ran a path through the heart of the miniature
+wood leading to the station.  When quite screened from observation by
+the friendly leafage, Juliet turned quickly.  She was pale and ill in
+looks, and there were dark circles under her eyes which told of
+sleepless nights.  But she was dressed with her usual care and behaved
+in a composed manner.
+
+"I wish you had not come, Cuthbert," she said, again taking his hand,
+"at least not at present.  Later on--"
+
+"I wanted to see you at once," said Mallow, determinedly. "Did not
+Basil tell you so?"
+
+Juliet shook her head.  "He said he met you the other day, but gave me
+no message."
+
+"Then he is not the friend I took him to be," said Mallow angrily.
+
+"Don't be angry with Basil," said Juliet, gently.  "The poor boy has
+quite enough trouble."
+
+"Of his own making," finished Cuthbert, thoroughly annoyed. "See here,
+Juliet, this sort of thing can't go on.  I have done nothing to warrant
+my being treated like this.  Your mother is mad to behave as she is
+doing.  I insist on an explanation."
+
+Juliet did not pay attention to this hasty speech.  "How do you know
+Basil has troubles?" she asked hurriedly.
+
+"Because I know he's a dissipated young ass," returned Mallow roughly;
+"and I daresay you know it also."
+
+"Do you allude to his playing cards?" she asked quickly.
+
+"Yes.  He has no right to tell you these things.  But I know he is in
+debt to Hale--he hinted as much the other day.  I would say nothing of
+this to you, but that I know he counts on your paying his debts.  I
+tell you, Juliet, it is wrong for you to do so."
+
+"How do you know I can?" she asked.
+
+"I know nothing," said Cuthbert doggedly, "not even if you have
+inherited the money of Miss Loach."
+
+"I have inherited it.  She left everything to me, save legacies to
+Thomas her servant, and to Emily Pill, the cook. It is a large fortune.
+The will was read on the day of the funeral.  I have now six thousand a
+year."
+
+"So much as that?  How did your aunt make such a lot of money?"
+
+"Mr. Hale speculated a great deal on her account, and, he is very
+lucky.  At least so he told me.  But the money is well invested and
+there are no restrictions.  I can easily pay the few debts Basil owes,
+poor boy.  You are too hard on him."
+
+"Perhaps I am.  But he is so foolish, and he doesn't like me. I believe
+he puts you against me, Juliet."
+
+The girl threw her arms round his neck.  "Nothing in the world would
+ever put me against you, Cuthbert," she whispered vehemently.  "I love
+you--I love you--with all my heart and soul, with every fibre of my
+being do I love you.  I don't care what mother says, I love you."
+
+"Well, then," said Cuthbert, between kisses, "since you are now rich
+and your own mistress--not that I care about the money--why not marry
+me at once?"
+
+Juliet drew back, and her eyes dilated with fear.  "I dare not--I dare
+not," she whispered.  "You don't know what you ask."
+
+"Yes I do.  Juliet, what is all this mystery about?  I could not
+understand the meaning of your letter."
+
+"Did you do what I asked?" she panted.
+
+"It was too late.  I had told Jennings the detective all I knew."
+
+"You were not afraid?"
+
+"Afraid!" echoed Cuthbert, opening his eyes.  "What do you mean?"
+
+She looked into his eyes.  "No," she said to herself, "he is not
+afraid."
+
+Cuthbert lost his temper.  "I don't understand all this," he declared,
+"if you would only speak out.  But I can guess why you wish me to stop
+the proceedings--you fear for Basil!"
+
+She stepped back a pace.  "For Basil?"
+
+"Yes.  From what he hinted the other day I believe he was about this
+place on the night of the--"
+
+"Where are your proofs?" she gasped, recoiling.
+
+"I have none.  I am only speaking on chance.  But Basil is in monetary
+difficulties--he is in debt to Hale--he counted on you inheriting the
+money of Miss Loach to pay his debts. He--"
+
+"Stop! stop!" cried Juliet, the blood rising to her face, "this is only
+supposition.  You can prove nothing."
+
+"Then why do you wish me to hold my tongue?"
+
+"There is nothing for you to hold your tongue about," she answered
+evasively.  "You know nothing."
+
+Cuthbert caught her hands and looked into her troubled eyes. "Do you,
+Juliet--do you?  Put an end to this mystery and speak out."
+
+She broke from him and fled.  "No," she cried, "for your sake I keep
+silent.  For your own sake stop the action of the detective."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+ANOTHER MYSTERY
+
+
+When Jennings arrived that evening according to appointment, he found
+Mallow in a state of desperation.  Juliet's conduct perplexed the young
+man to such an extent that he felt as though on the point of losing his
+reason.  He was quite delighted when he saw Jennings and thus had
+someone with a clear head in whom to confide.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Jennings, who at once saw that something was
+wrong from Cuthbert's anxious face.
+
+"Nothing, save that I am being driven out of my senses.  I am glad you
+have come, Jennings.  Things are getting more mysterious every day.  I
+am determined to get to the bottom of this murder case if only for my
+own peace of mind.  I am with you heart and soul.  I have the detective
+fever with a vengeance.  You can count on my assistance in every way."
+
+"All right, my dear chap," said the other soothingly, "sit down and let
+us have a quiet talk before this girl arrives."
+
+"Susan Grant.  I saw her to-day."
+
+"Did you speak to her?"
+
+"No.  I only guessed that she was the girl you talked about from your
+description and from the fact that she entered Rose Cottage."
+
+"Ah," said Jennings, taking a seat, "so you have been down there?"
+
+"Yes.  I'll tell you all about it.  I don't know if I'm sane or insane,
+Jennings.  When does this girl arrive?"
+
+The detective glanced at his watch.  "At half-past eight. She'll be
+here in half an hour.  Go on.  What's up?"
+
+"Read this," said Cuthbert, and passed along the note from Juliet.  "I
+received that immediately after you went the other night."
+
+Jennings read the note with a thoughtful look, then laid it aside and
+stared at his friend.  "It is strange that she should write in that
+way," said he.  "I should have thought she would wish to learn who
+killed her aunt.  What does she mean?"
+
+"I can't tell you.  I met her to-day," and Cuthbert gave details of his
+visit to Rexton and the interview with Juliet. "Now what does she
+mean," he added in his turn, "talking as though I had something to do
+with the matter?"
+
+"Someone's been poisoning her mind.  That brother of hers, perhaps."
+
+"What do you know of him?" asked Cuthbert quickly.
+
+"Nothing good.  He's an hysterical idiot.  Gambles a lot and falls into
+rages when he loses.  At times I don't think he's responsible for his
+actions."
+
+Mallow threw himself back in his chair biting his moustache. Every word
+Jennings spoke made him more confident that Basil had something to do
+with the crime.  But why Juliet should hint at his own guilt Cuthbert
+could not imagine.  Had he been calmer he might have hesitated to tell
+Jennings about Basil. But, exasperated by Juliet's half confidence, and
+anxious to learn the truth, he gave the detective a full account of his
+meeting with the young man.  "What do you make of that?" he asked.
+
+"Well," said Jennings doubtfully, "there's nothing much to go upon in
+what he said.  He's in difficulties with Hale certainly--"
+
+"And he seemed anxious about my having been in Caranby's grounds at
+night." "Were you there?"
+
+"Yes.  I did not intend to say anything about it, but I must tell you
+everything so that you can put things straight between me and Juliet.
+I can't understand her.  But I am sure her mother and Basil are trying
+to influence her against me. I should not be surprised to learn that
+they accused me of this murder."
+
+"But on what grounds?" asked Jennings quickly.
+
+"We'll come to that presently.  But I now see why neither Basil nor his
+mother want the marriage to take place.  By the will of Miss Loach
+Juliet comes in for six thousand a year, which is completely at her own
+disposal.  Mrs. Octagon and her pet boy want to have the handling of
+that.  They know if Juliet becomes my wife I won't let them prey on
+her, so immediately Miss Loach died the mother withdrew her consent to
+the marriage, and now she is being backed up by Basil."
+
+"But I thought Mrs. Octagon was well off?"
+
+"No.  Saxon, her late husband, left her very little, and Octagon, for
+all his meekness, knows how to keep his money. Both mother and son are
+extravagant, so they hope to make poor Juliet their banker.  In some
+way they have implicated me in the crime, and Juliet thinks that I am
+in danger of the gallows.  That is why she wrote that mysterious note,
+Jennings. To-day she asked me to stop proceedings for my own sake,
+which shows that she thinks me guilty.  I could not get a further
+explanation from her, as she ran away.  Hang it!"  Cuthbert jumped up
+angrily, "if she'd only tell me the truth and speak straight out.  I
+can't understand this silence on her part."
+
+"I can," said Jennings promptly, "in some way Basil is mixed up in the
+matter, and his accusing you means his acknowledging that he was near
+Rose Cottage on the night of the crime.  He funks making so damaging an
+admission."
+
+"Ah, I daresay," said Cuthbert, "particularly as he quarrelled with his
+aunt a week before the death."
+
+"Did he quarrel with her?"
+
+"Of course.  Didn't I tell you what he said to-day.  He's in a fine
+rage with the dead woman.  And you know what an uncontrollable temper
+he has.  I've seen him rage at Maraquito's when he lost at baccarat.
+Silly ass!  He can't play decently and lose his money like a gentleman.
+How Juliet ever came to have such a bounder for a brother I can't
+imagine.  She's the soul of honor, and Basil--bah!"
+
+"He quarrelled with his aunt," murmured Jennings, "and he has a violent
+temper, as we both knew.  Humph!  He may have something to do with the
+matter.  Do you know where he was on that night?"
+
+"Yes.  Juliet and he went to the Marlow Theatre to see a melodrama by a
+new playwright."
+
+"Ha!" said Jennings half to himself, "and the Marlow Theatre is not far
+from Rexton.  I'll make a note of that.  Had they a box?"
+
+"I believe so.  It was sent by the man who wrote the play."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"I can't say.  One of that lot who play at being poets in Octagon
+House.  A set of idiots.  But what do you make of all this, Jennings?"
+
+"I think with you that Mrs. Octagon and her cub of a son are trying to
+stop the marriage by bringing you into the matter of the crime.  Were
+you down there on that night?"
+
+"Yes," said Cuthbert with hesitation, and to Jennings' surprise, "I did
+not intend to say anything about it, as my uncle asked me to hold my
+tongue.  But since things have come to this pass, you may as well know
+that I was there--and about the time of the murder too."
+
+Jennings sat up and stared.  "Great heavens!  Mallow, why didn't you
+tell me this the other night?"
+
+"You might have arrested me then and there," retorted Cuthbert.  "I
+promised my uncle to hold my tongue.  But now--"
+
+"You will tell me all.  My dear fellow, make a clean breast of it."
+
+"Rest easy, you shall learn everything.  You know that the house at the
+back of Rose Cottage has been deserted for something like twenty years
+more or less."
+
+"Yes.  You told me about it the other night."
+
+"Caranby ran a fifteen-feet wall round it and the inside is a regular
+jungle.  Well, the house is supposed to be haunted. Lights have been
+seen moving about and strange noises have been heard."
+
+"What kind of noises?"
+
+"Oh, moans and clanking chains and all that sort of thing.  I heard
+indirectly about this, through Juliet."
+
+"Where did she hear the report?"
+
+"From Miss Loach's cook.  A woman called Pill.  The cook asserted that
+the house was haunted, and described the noises and the lights.  I
+don't believe in spooks myself, and thought some tricks were being
+played, so one day I went down and had a look."
+
+"That day I was there?" asked Jennings, recalling Cuthbert's presence.
+
+"Before that--a week or two.  I saw nothing.  The house is rotting and
+nothing appeared to be disturbed.  I examined the park and found no
+footmarks.  In fact, there wasn't a sign of anyone about."
+
+"You should have gone at night when the ghost was larking."
+
+"That's what Caranby said.  I told him when he came back to London.  He
+was very annoyed.  You know his romance about that house--an absurd
+thing it is.  All the same, Caranby is tender on the point.  I advised
+him to pull the house down and let the land out for building leases.
+He thought he would, but asked me to go at night and stir up the ghost.
+I went on the night of the murder, and got into the grounds by climbing
+the wall.  There's no gate, you know."
+
+"At what time?"
+
+"Some time between ten and eleven.  I'm not quite sure."
+
+"Good heavens! man, that is the very hour the woman was killed!"
+
+"Yes.  And for that reason I held my tongue; particularly as I got over
+the wall near the cottage."
+
+"Where do you mean?"
+
+"Well, there's a field of corn nearly ready to be cut near the cottage.
+It's divided from the garden by a fence.  I came along the foot-path
+that leads from the station and jumped the fence."
+
+"Did you enter Miss Loach's grounds?"
+
+"No.  I had no right to.  I saw a light in the basement, but I did not
+take much notice.  I was too anxious to find the ghost.  Well, I ran
+along the fence--on the field-of-corn side, remember, and got over the
+wall.  Then I dodged through the park, scratching myself a lot.  I
+could find nothing.  The house seemed quiet enough, so after a quarter
+of an hour I had enough of it.  I got out over the wall on the other
+side and came home.  I caught a cold which necessitated my wearing a
+great-coat the next day.  So there you have my ghost-hunting, and a
+fine fool I was to go."
+
+"I wish you had told me this before, Mallow."
+
+"If I had, you would have thought I'd killed the old woman. But I tell
+you now, as I want this matter sifted to the bottom.  I refused to
+speak before, as I didn't wish to be dragged into the case."
+
+"Did you see anything in the cottage?"
+
+"Not a thing.  I saw no one--I heard no sound."
+
+"Not even a scream?"
+
+"Not even a scream," said Mallow; "had I heard anything I should have
+gone to see what was the matter."
+
+"Strange!" murmured Jennings, "can't you tell the exact time?"
+
+"Not to a minute.  It was shortly after ten.  I can't say how many
+minutes.  Perhaps a quarter of an hour.  But not suspecting anything
+was going to happen, I didn't look at my watch."
+
+Jennings looked thoughtfully at the carpet.  "I wonder if the assassin
+escaped that way," he murmured.
+
+"Which way?"
+
+"Over the wall and through the park.  You see, he could not have gone
+up the lane or through the railway path without stumbling against that
+policeman.  But he might have slipped out of the front door at
+half-past ten and climbed as you did over the wall to cross the park
+and drop over the other.  In this way he would elude the police."
+
+"Perhaps," said Cuthbert disbelievingly; "but it was nearly eleven when
+I left the park.  If anyone had been at my heels I would have noticed."
+
+"I am not so sure of that.  The park, as you say, is a kind of jungle.
+The man might have seen you and have taken his precautions.  Moreover,"
+added the detective, sitting up alertly, "he might have written to Miss
+Saxon saying he saw you on that night.  And she--"
+
+"Bosh!" interrupted Mallow roughly, "he would give himself away."
+
+"Not if the letter was anonymous."
+
+"Perhaps," said the other again; "but Basil may have been about the
+place and have accused me."
+
+"In that case he must explain his reason for being in the neighborhood
+at that hour.  But he won't, and you may be sure Miss Saxon, for his
+sake, will hold her tongue.  No, Mallow. Someone accuses you to Miss
+Saxon--Basil or another.  If we could only make her speak--"
+
+Cuthbert shook his head.  "I fear it's impossible."
+
+"Why not let me arrest you," suggested Jennings, "and then, if at
+anytime, she would speak."
+
+"Hang it, no!" cried Mallow in dismay, "that would be too realistic,
+Jennings.  I don't want it known that I was hanging about the place on
+that night.  My explanation might not be believed.  In any case, people
+would throw mud at me, considering I am engaged to the niece of the
+dead woman."
+
+"Yes! I can see that.  Well," Jennings rose and stretched himself.  "I
+must see what Susan has to say"; he glanced at his watch; "she should
+be here in a few minutes."
+
+A silence ensued which was broken by Jennings.  "Oh, by the way," he
+said, taking some papers out of his pocket, "I looked up the Saul case."
+
+"Well, what about it?" asked Cuthbert indolently
+
+Jennings referred to his notes.  "The Saul family" he said, "seem to
+have been a bad lot.  There was a mother, a brother and a daughter--"
+
+"Emilia!"
+
+"Just so.  They were all coiners.  Somewhere in Hampstead they had a
+regular factory.  Others were mixed up in the matter also, but Mrs.
+Saul was the head of the gang.  Then Emilia grew tired of the life--I
+expect it told on her nerves.  She went on the concert platform and met
+Caranby.  Then she died, as you know.  Afterwards the mother and
+brother were caught. They bolted.  The mother, I believe, died--it was
+believed she was poisoned for having betrayed secrets.  The brother
+went to jail, got out years afterwards on ticket-of-leave, and then
+died also.  The rest of the gang were put in jail, but I can't say what
+became of them."
+
+Cuthbert shrugged his shoulders.  "This does not help us much."
+
+"No.  But it shows you what an escape your uncle had from marrying the
+woman.  I can't understand--"
+
+"No more can Caranby," said Mallow, smiling; "he loved Miss Loach, but
+Emilia exercised a kind of hypnotic influence over him.  However, she
+is dead, and I can see no connection between her and this crime."
+
+"Well," said Jennings soberly, "it appears that some other person
+besides the mother gave a clue to the breaking up of the gang and the
+whereabouts of the factory.  Supposing that person was Selina Loach,
+who hated Emilia for having taken Caranby from her.  One of the gang
+released lately from prison may have killed the old lady out of
+revenge."
+
+"What! after all these years?"
+
+"Revenge is a passion that grows with years," said Jennings grimly; "at
+all events, I intend to go on ferreting out evidence about this old
+coining case, particularly as there are many false coins circulating
+now.  I should not be surprised to learn that the factory had been set
+up again; Miss Loach may have known and--"
+
+"This is all supposition," cried Mallow.  "I can't see the slightest
+connection between the coiners and this murder. Besides, it does not
+explain why Juliet hints at my being implicated."
+
+Jennings did not reply.  "There's the bell, too," he murmured, his eyes
+on the ground, "that might be explained."  He looked up briskly.  "I
+tell you what, Mallow, this case may turn out to be a bigger thing than
+either of us suspect."
+
+"It's quite big enough for me as it is," retorted Cuthbert, "although I
+don't know what you mean.  All I desire is to get to the root of the
+matter and marry Juliet.  Find Miss Loach's assassin, Jennings, and
+don't bother about this dead-and-gone coining case."
+
+"There's a connection between the two," said Jennings, obstinately;
+"it's impossible to say how the connection comes about, but I feel that
+a discovery in one case entails a discovery in the other.  If I can
+prove that Miss Loach was killed by one of the old coiners--"
+
+"What will happen then?"
+
+"I may stumble on the factory that is in existence now."
+
+He would have gone on to explain himself more fully, but that Mallow's
+man entered with the information that a young person was waiting and
+asked for Mr. Jennings.  Mallow ordered the servant to admit her, and
+shortly Susan Grant, nervous and blushing, entered the room.
+
+"I am glad to see you," said Jennings, placing a chair for her.  "This
+is Mr. Mallow.  We wish to ask you a few questions."
+
+"I have seen Mr. Mallow before," said Susan, gasping and flushing.
+
+"At Rose Cottage?" said Mallow inquiringly.
+
+"No.  When I was with Senora Gredos as parlor-maid."
+
+"Senora Gredos?" said Jennings, before Cuthbert could speak. "Do you
+mean Maraquito?"
+
+"I have heard that her name was Maraquito, sir," said Susan calmly.  "A
+lame lady and fond of cards.  She lives in--"
+
+"I know where she lives," said Cuthbert, flushing in his turn. "I went
+there occasionally to play cards.  I never saw you."
+
+"But I saw you, sir," said the girl fervently.  "Often I have watched
+you when you thought I wasn't, and--"
+
+"One moment," said Jennings, interrupting.  "Let's us get to the pith
+of the matter at once.  Where did you get Mr. Mallow's portrait?"
+
+"I don't want to say," murmured the girl.
+
+"But you must say," said Mallow angrily.  "I order you to confess."
+
+"I kept silent for your sake, sir," she said, her eyes filled with
+tears, "but if you must know, I took the portrait from Senora Gredos'
+dressing-room when I left her house.  And I left it on your account,
+sir," she finished defiantly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE PARLOR-MAID'S STORY
+
+
+On hearing the confession of the girl, both men looked at one another
+in amazement.  How could Cuthbert's photograph have come into the
+possession of Senora Gredos, and why had Susan Grant stolen it?  And
+again, why did she hint that she had held her tongue about the matter
+for the sake of Mallow? Jennings at once proceeded to get at the truth.
+While being examined Susan wept, with an occasional glance at the
+bewildered Cuthbert.
+
+"You were with Maraquito as parlor-maid?"
+
+"With Senora Gredos?  Yes, sir, for six months."
+
+"Do you know what went on in that house?"
+
+Susan ceased her sobs and stared.  "I don't know what you mean," she
+said, looking puzzled.  "It was a gay house, I know; but there was
+nothing wrong that I ever saw, save that I don't hold with cards being
+played on Sunday."
+
+"And on every other night of the week," muttered Jennings. "Did you
+ever hear Senora Gredos called Maraquito?"
+
+"Sometimes the gentlemen who came to play cards called her by that
+name.  But she told her maid, who was my friend, that they were old
+friends of hers.  And I think they were sorry for poor Senora Gredos,
+sir," added Miss Grant, naively, "as she suffered so much with her
+back.  You know, she rarely moved from her couch.  It was always
+wheeled into the room where the gambling took place."
+
+"Ah.  You knew that gambling went on," said Jennings, snapping her up
+sharply.  "Don't you know that is against the law?"
+
+"No, sir.  Do you know?"
+
+Cuthbert could not restrain a laugh.  "That's one for you, Jennings,"
+said he, nodding, "you often went to the Soho house."
+
+"I had my reasons for saying nothing," replied the detective hastily.
+"You may be sure I could have ended the matter at once had I spoken to
+my chief about it.  As it was, I judged it best to let matters remain
+as they were, so long as the house was respectably conducted."
+
+"I'm sure it was conducted well, sir," said Susan, who appeared rather
+indignant.  "Senora Gredos was a most respectable lady."
+
+"She lived alone always, I believe?"
+
+"Yes, sir."  Then Susan hesitated.  "I wonder if she had a mother?"
+
+"Why do you wonder?"
+
+"Well, sir, the lady who came to see Miss Loach--"
+
+"Mrs. Herne?"
+
+"I heard her name was Mrs. Herne, but she was as like Senora Gredos as
+two peas, save that she was older and had gray hair."
+
+"Hum!" said Jennings, pondering.  "Did you ever hear Senora Gredos
+speak of Mrs. Herne?"
+
+"Never, sir.  But Mrs. Pill--the cook of Miss Loach--said that Mrs.
+Herne lived at Hampstead.  But she was like my old mistress.  When I
+opened the door to her I thought she was Senora Gredos.  But then the
+scent may have made me think that."
+
+Jennings looked up sharply.  "The scent?  What do you mean?"
+
+"Senora Gredos," explained Susan quietly, "used a very nice scent--a
+Japanese scent called Hikui.  She used no other, and I never met any
+lady who did, save Mrs. Herne."
+
+"Oh, so Mrs. Herne used it."
+
+"She did, sir.  When I opened the door on that night," Susan shuddered,
+"the first thing I knew was the smell of Hikui making the passage like
+a hairdresser's shop.  I leaned forward to see if the lady was Senora
+Gredos, and she turned her face away.  But I caught sight of it, and if
+she isn't some relative of my last mistress, may I never eat bread
+again."
+
+"Did Mrs. Herne seem offended when you examined her face?"
+
+"She gave a kind of start--"
+
+"At the sight of you," said Jennings quickly.
+
+"La, no, sir.  She never saw me before."
+
+"I'm not so sure of that," muttered the detective.  "Did you also
+recognize Mr. Clancy and Mr. Hale as having visited the Soho house?"
+
+"No, sir.  I never set eyes on them before."
+
+"But as parlor-maid, you must have opened the door to--"
+
+"Just a moment, sir," said Susan quickly.  "I opened the door in the
+day when few people came.  After eight the page, Gibber, took my place.
+And I hardly ever went upstairs, as Senora Gredos told me to keep
+below.  One evening I did come up and saw--" here her eyes rested on
+Cuthbert with a look which made him turn crimson.  "I wish I had never
+come up on that night."
+
+"See here, my girl," said Mallow irritably, "do you mean to say--"
+
+"Hold on, Mallow," interposed Jennings, "let me ask a question." He
+turned to Susan, now weeping again with downcast eyes.  "Mr. Mallow's
+face made an impression on you?"
+
+"Yes, sir.  But then I knew every line of it before."
+
+"How was that?"
+
+Susan looked up surprised.  "The photograph in Senora Gredos'
+dressing-room.  I often looked at it, and when I left I could not bear
+to leave it behind.  It was stealing, I know," cried Miss Grant
+tearfully, "and I have been brought up respectably, but I couldn't help
+myself."
+
+By this time Cuthbert was the color of an autumn sunset.  He was a
+modest young man, and these barefaced confessions made him wince.  He
+was about to interpose irritably when Jennings turned on him with a
+leading question.  "Why did you give that photograph to--"
+
+"Confound it!" cried Mallow, jumping up, "I did no such thing. I knew
+Maraquito only as the keeper of the gambling house. There was nothing
+between--"
+
+"Don't, sir," said Susan, rising in her turn with a flush of jealousy.
+"I saw her kissing the photograph."
+
+"Then she must be crazy," cried Mallow: "I never gave her any occasion
+to behave so foolishly.  For months I have been engaged, and--" he here
+became aware that he was acting foolishly in talking like this to a
+love-sick servant, and turned on his heel abruptly.  "I'll go in the
+next room," said he, "call me when you wish for my presence, Jennings.
+I can't possibly stay and listen to this rubbish," and going out, he
+banged the door, thereby bringing a fresh burst of tears from Susan
+Grant.  Every word he said pierced her heart.
+
+"Now I've made him cross," she wailed, "and I would lay down my life
+for him--that I would."
+
+"See here, my girl," said Jennings, soothingly and fully prepared to
+make use of the girl's infatuation, "it is absurd your being in love
+with a gentleman of Mr. Mallow's position."
+
+Miss Grant tossed her head.  "I've read Bow-Bells and the Family
+Herald, sir," she said positively, "and many a time have I read of a
+governess, which is no more than a servant, marrying an earl.  And that
+Mr. Mallow isn't, sir."
+
+"He will be when Lord Caranby dies," said Jennings, hardly knowing what
+to say, "and fiction isn't truth.  Besides, Mr. Mallow is engaged."
+
+"I know, sir--to Miss Saxon.  Well," poor Susan sighed, "she is a sweet
+young lady.  I suppose he loves her."
+
+"Devotedly.  He will be married soon."
+
+"And she's got Miss Loach's money too," sighed Susan again, "what a
+lucky young lady.  Handsome looks in a husband and gold galore.  A poor
+servant like me has to look on and keep her heart up with the Church
+Service.  But I tell you what, sir," she added, drying her eyes and
+apparently becoming resigned, "if I ain't a lady, Senora Gredos is, and
+she won't let Mr. Mallow marry Miss Saxon."
+
+"But Mr. Mallow is not in love with Senora Gredos."
+
+"Perhaps not, sir, but she's in love with him.  Yes.  You may look and
+look, Mr. Jennings, but lame as she is and weak in the back and unable
+to move from that couch, she loves him. She had that photograph in her
+room and kissed it, as it I saw with my own eyes.  I took it the last
+thing before I went, as I loved Mr. Mallow too, and I was not going to
+let that Spanish lady kiss him even in a picture."
+
+"Upon my word," murmured Jennings, taken aback by this vehemence, "it
+is very strange all this."
+
+"Oh, yes, you gentlemen don't think a poor girl has a heart. I couldn't
+help falling in love, though he never looked my way.  But that Miss
+Saxon is a sweet, kind, young lady put upon by her mother, I wouldn't
+give him up even to her.  But I can see there's no chance for me," wept
+Susan, "seeing the way he has gone out, banging the door in a temper,
+so I'll give him up.  And I'll go now.  My heart's broken."
+
+But Jennings made her sit down again.  "Not yet, my girl," he said
+firmly, "if you wish to do Mr. Mallow a good turn--"
+
+"Oh, I'll do that," she interrupted with sparkling eyes, "after all, he
+can't help giving his heart elsewhere.  It's just my foolishness to
+think otherwise.  But how can I help him, sir?"
+
+"He wants to find out who killed Miss Loach."
+
+"I can't help him there, sir.  I don't know who killed her. Mrs. Herne
+and Mr. Clancy and Mr. Hale were all gone, and when the bell rang she
+was alone, dead in her chair with them cards on her lap.  Oh," Susan's
+voice became shrill and hysterical, "what a horrible sight!"
+
+"Yes, yes," said Jennings soothingly, "we'll come to that shortly, my
+girl.  But about this photograph.  Was it in Senora Gredos'
+dressing-room long?"
+
+"For about three months, sir.  I saw it one morning when I took up her
+breakfast and fell in love with the handsome face. Then Gibber told me
+the gentleman came to the house sometimes, and I went up the stairs
+against orders after eight to watch. I saw him and found him more
+good-looking than the photograph. Often did I watch him and envy Senora
+Gredos the picture with them loving words.  Sir," said Susan, sitting
+up stiffly, "if Mr. Mallow is engaged to Miss Saxon and doesn't love
+Senora Gredos, why did he write those words?"
+
+"He did not write them for her," said Jennings doubtfully, "at least I
+don't think so.  It is impossible to say how the photograph came into
+the possession of that lady."
+
+"Will you ask him, sir?"
+
+"Yes, when you are gone.  But he won't speak while you are in the room."
+
+Susan drooped her head and rose dolefully.  "My dream is gone," she
+said mournfully, "though I was improving myself in spelling and figures
+so that I might go out as a governess and perhaps meet him in high
+circles."
+
+"Ah, that's all Family Herald fiction," said Jennings, not unkindly.
+
+"Yes!  I know now, sir.  My delusions are gone.  But I will do anything
+I can to help Mr. Mallow and I hope he'll always think kindly of me."
+
+"I'm sure he will.  By the way, what are you doing now?"
+
+"I go home to help mother at Stepney, sir, me having no call to go out
+to service.  I have a happy home, though not fashionable.  And after my
+heart being crushed I can't go out again," sighed Susan sadly.
+
+"Are you sorry to leave Rose Cottage?"
+
+"No, sir," Susan shuddered, "that dead body with the blood and the
+cards will haunt me always.  Mrs. Pill, as is going to marry Thomas
+Barnes and rent the cottage, wanted me to stay, but I couldn't."
+
+Jennings pricked up his ears.  "What's that?  How can Mrs. Pill rent so
+expensive a place."
+
+"It's by arrangement with Miss Saxon, sir.  Mrs. Pill told me all about
+it.  Miss Saxon wished to sell the place, but Thomas Barnes spoke to
+her and said he had saved money while in Miss Loach's service for
+twenty years--"
+
+"Ah," said Jennings thoughtfully, "he was that time in Miss Loach's
+service, was he?"
+
+"Yes, sir.  And got good wages.  Well, sir, Miss Saxon hearing he
+wished to marry the cook and take the cottage and keep boarders, let
+him rent it with furniture as it stands.  She and Mrs. Octagon are
+going back to town, and Mrs. Pill is going to have the cottage cleaned
+from cellar to attic before she marries Thomas and receives the
+boarder."
+
+"Oh.  So she has a boarder?"
+
+"Yes, sir.  She wouldn't agree to Thomas taking the cottage as her
+husband, unless she had a boarder to start with, being afraid she and
+Thomas could not pay the rent.  So Thomas saw Mr. Clancy and he is
+coming to stop.  He has taken all the part where Miss Loach lived, and
+doesn't want anyone else in the house, being a quiet man and retired."
+
+"Ah! Ah! Ah!" said Jennings in three different tones of voice. "I think
+Mrs. Pill is very wise.  I hope she and Thomas will do well.  By the
+way, what do you think of Mr. Barnes?"
+
+Susan did not leave him long in doubt as to her opinion.  "I think he
+is a stupid fool," she said, "and it's a good thing Mrs. Pill is going
+to marry him.  He was guided by Miss Loach all his life, and now she's
+dead, he goes about like a gaby. One of those men, sir," explained
+Susan, "as needs a woman to look after them.  Not like that gentleman,"
+she cast a tender glance at the door, "who can protect the weakest of
+my sex."
+
+Jennings having learned all he could, rose.  "Well, Miss Grant," he
+said quietly, "I am obliged to you for your frank speaking.  My advice
+to you is to go home and think no more of Mr. Mallow.  You might as
+well love the moon.  But you know my address, and should you hear of
+anything likely to lead you to suspect who killed Miss Loach, Mr.
+Mallow will make it worth your while to come to me with the
+information."
+
+"I'll do all I can," said Susan resolutely, "but I won't take a penny
+piece, me having my feelings as other and higher ladies."
+
+"Just as you please.  But Mr. Mallow is about to offer a reward on
+behalf of his uncle, Lord Caranby."
+
+"He that was in love with Miss Loach, sir?"
+
+"Yes.  On account of that old love, Lord Caranby desires to learn who
+killed her.  And Mr. Mallow also wishes to know, for a private reason.
+I expect you will be calling to see Mrs. Pill?"
+
+"When she's Mrs. Barnes, I think so, sir.  I go to the wedding, and me
+and Geraldine are going to be bridesmaids."
+
+"Then if you hear or see anything likely to lead to a revelation of the
+truth, you will remember.  By the way, you don't know how Senora Gredos
+got that photograph?"
+
+"No, sir, I do not."
+
+"And you think Mrs. Herne is Senora Gredos' mother?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I do."
+
+"Thank you, that will do for the present.  Keep your eyes open and your
+mouth closed, and when you hear of anything likely to interest me, call
+at the address I gave you."
+
+"Yes, sir," said Susan, and took her leave, not without another
+lingering glance at the door behind which Mallow waited impatiently.
+
+When she was gone, Jennings went into the next room to find Cuthbert
+smoking.  He jumped up when he saw the detective. "Well, has that silly
+girl gone?" he asked angrily.
+
+"Yes, poor soul.  You needn't get in a wax, Mallow.  The girl can't
+help falling in love with you.  Poor people have feelings as well as
+rich."
+
+"I know that, but it's ridiculous: especially as I never saw the girl
+before, and then I love only Juliet."
+
+"You are sure of that?"
+
+"Jennings"
+
+"There--there, don't get angry.  We must get to the bottom of this
+affair which is getting more complicated every day. Did you give that
+photograph to Senora Gredos?"
+
+"To Maraquito.  No, I didn't.  I gave it to Juliet."
+
+"You are certain?"
+
+"Positive!  I can't make out how it came into Maraquito's house."
+
+Jennings pondered.  "Perhaps Basil may have given it to her. It is to
+his interest on behalf of his mother to make trouble between you and
+Miss Saxon.  Moreover, if it is as I surmise, it shows that Mrs.
+Octagon intended to stop the marriage, if she could, even before her
+sister died."
+
+"Ah!  And it shows that the death of Miss Loach gave her a chance of
+asserting herself and stopping the marriage."
+
+"Well, she might have hesitated to do that before, as Miss Loach might
+not have left her fortune to Juliet if the marriage did not take place."
+
+Cuthbert nodded and spoke musingly: "After all, the old woman liked me,
+and I was the nephew of the man who loved her in her youth.  Her heart
+may have been set on the match, and she might have threatened to leave
+her fortune elsewhere if Mrs. Octagon did not agree.  Failing this,
+Mrs. Octagon, through Basil, gave that photograph to Maraquito in the
+hope that Juliet would ask questions of me--"
+
+"And if she had asked questions?" asked Jennings quickly.
+
+Cuthbert looked uncomfortable.  "Don't think me a conceited ass," he
+said, trying to laugh, "but Maraquito is in love with me.  I stayed
+away from her house because she became too attentive.  I never told you
+this, as no man has a right to reveal a woman's weakness.  But, as
+matters are so serious, it is right you should know."
+
+"I am glad I do know.  By the way, Cuthbert, what between Miss Saxon,
+Susan Grant and Maraquito, you will have a hard time."
+
+"How absurd!" said Mallow angrily.  "Juliet is the only woman I love
+and Juliet I intend to marry."
+
+"Maraquito will prevent your marriage."
+
+"If she can," scoffed Cuthbert.
+
+Jennings looked grave.  "I am not so sure but what she can make
+mischief.  There's Mrs. Herne who may or may not be the mother of this
+Spanish demon--"
+
+"Perhaps the demon herself," ventured Mallow.
+
+"No!" said the detective positively.  "Maraquito can't move from her
+couch.  You know that.  However, I shall call on Mrs. Herne at
+Hampstead.  She was a witness, you know?  Keep quiet, Mallow, and let
+me make inquiries.  Meantime, ask Miss Saxon when she missed that
+photograph."
+
+"Can you see your way now?"
+
+"I have a slight clue.  But it will be a long time before I learn the
+truth.  There is a lot at the back of that murder, Mallow."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+ON THE TRACK
+
+
+Professor Le Beau kept a school of dancing in Pimlico, and incessantly
+trained pupils for the stage.  Many of them had appeared with more or
+less success in the ballets at the Empire and Alhambra, and he was
+widely known amongst stage-struck aspirants as charging moderately and
+teaching in a most painstaking manner.  He thus made an income which,
+if not large, was at least secure, and was assisted in the school by
+his niece, Peggy Garthorne.  She was the manager of his house and
+looked after the money, otherwise the little professor would never have
+been able to lay aside for the future.  But when the brother of the
+late Madame Le Beau--an Englishwoman--died, his sister took charge of
+the orphan. Now that Madame herself was dead, Peggy looked after the
+professor out of gratitude and love.  She was fond of the excitable
+little Frenchman, and knew how to manage him to a nicety.
+
+It was to the Dancing Academy that Jennings turned his steps a few days
+after the interview with Susan.  He had been a constant visitor there
+for eighteen months and was deeply in love with Peggy.  On a Bank
+Holiday he had been fortunate enough to rescue her from a noisy crowd,
+half-drunk and indulging in horse-play, and had escorted her home to
+receive the profuse thanks of the Professor.  The detective was
+attracted by the quaint little man, and he called again to inquire for
+Peggy.  A friendship thus inaugurated ripened into a deeper feeling,
+and within nine months Jennings proposed for the hand of the humble
+girl.  She consented and so did Le Beau, although he was rather rueful
+at the thought of losing his mainstay.  But Peggy promised him that she
+would still look after him until he retired, and with this promise Le
+Beau was content.  He was now close on seventy, and could not hope to
+teach much longer.  But, thanks to Peggy's clever head and saving
+habits, he had--as the French say--"plenty of bread baked" to eat
+during days of dearth.
+
+The Academy was situated down a narrow street far removed from the main
+thoroughfares.  Quiet houses belonging to poor people stood on either
+side of this lane--for that it was--and at the end appeared the
+Academy, blocking the exit from that quarter.  It stood right in the
+middle of the street and turned the lane into a blind alley, but a
+narrow right-of-way passed along the side and round to the back where
+the street began again under a new name.  The position of the place was
+quaint, and often it had been intended to remove the obstruction, but
+the owner, an eccentric person of great wealth, had hitherto refused to
+allow it to be pulled down. But the owner was now old, and it was
+expected his heirs would take away the building and allow the lane to
+run freely through to the other street.  Still it would last Professor
+Le Beau's time, for his heart would have broken had he been compelled
+to move.  He had taught here for the last thirty years, and had become
+part and parcel of the neighborhood.
+
+Jennings, quietly dressed in blue serge with brown boots and a bowler
+hat, turned down the lane and advanced towards the double door of the
+Academy, which was surmounted by an allegorical group of plaster
+figures designed by Le Beau himself, and representing Orpheus teaching
+trees and animals to dance.  The allusion was not complimentary to his
+pupils, for if Le Beau figured as Orpheus, what were the animals?
+However, the hot-tempered little man refused to change his allegory and
+the group remained.  Jennings passed under it and into the building
+with a smile which the sight of those figures always evoked.  Within,
+the building on the ground floor was divided into two rooms--a large
+hall for the dancing lessons and a small apartment used indifferently
+as a reception-room and an office.  Above, on the first story, were the
+sitting-room, the dining-room and the kitchen; and on the third, under
+a high conical roof, the two bedrooms of the Professor and Peggy, with
+an extra one for any stranger who might remain.  Where Margot, the
+French cook and maid-of-all-work, slept, was a mystery.  So it will be
+seen that the accommodation of the house was extremely limited.
+However, Le Beau, looked after by Peggy and Margot, who was devoted to
+him, was extremely well pleased, and extremely happy in his light airy
+French way.
+
+In the office was Peggy, making up some accounts.  She was a pretty,
+small maiden of twenty-five, neatly dressed in a clean print gown, and
+looking like a dewy daisy.  Her eyes were blue, her hair the color of
+ripe corn, and her cheeks were of a delicate rose.  There was something
+pastoral about Peggy, smacking of meadow lands and milking time.  She
+should have been a shepherdess looking after her flock rather than a
+girl toiling in a dingy office.  How such a rural flower ever sprung up
+amongst London houses was a mystery Jennings could not make out.  And
+according to her own tale, Peggy had never lived in the country.  What
+with the noise of fiddling which came from the large hall, and the fact
+of being absorbed in her work, Peggy never heard the entrance of her
+lover. Jennings stole quietly towards her, admiring the pretty picture
+she made with a ray of dusky sunlight making glory of her hair.
+
+"Who is it?" he asked, putting his hands over her eyes.
+
+"Oh," cried Peggy, dropping her pen and removing his hands, "the only
+man who would dare to take such a liberty with me. Miles, my darling
+pig!" and she kissed him, laughing.
+
+"I don't like the last word, Peggy!"
+
+"It's Papa Le Beau's favorite word with his pupils," said Peggy, who
+always spoke of the dancing-master thus.
+
+"With the addition of darling?"
+
+"No, that is an addition of my own.  But I can remove it if you like."
+
+"I don't like," said Miles, sitting down and pulling her towards him,
+"come and talk to me, Pegtop."
+
+"I won't be called Pegtop, and as to talking, I have far too much work
+to do.  The lesson will soon be over, and some of the pupils have to
+take these accounts home.  Then dejeuner will soon be ready, and you
+know how Margot hates having her well-cooked dishes spoilt by waiting.
+But why are you here instead of at work?"
+
+"Hush!" said Miles, laying a finger on her lips.  "Papa will hear you."
+
+"Not he.  Hear the noise his fiddle is making, and he is scolding the
+poor little wretches like a game-cock."
+
+"Does a game-cock scold?" asked Jennings gravely.  "I hope he is not in
+a bad temper, Peggy.  I have come to ask him a few questions."
+
+"About your own business?" asked she in a lower tone.
+
+Jennings nodded.  Peggy knew his occupation, but as yet he had not been
+able to tell Le Beau.
+
+The Frenchman cherished all the traditional hatred of his race for the
+profession of "mouchard," and would not be able to understand that a
+detective was of a higher standing.  Miles was therefore supposed to be
+a gentleman of independent fortune, and both he and Peggy decided to
+inform Le Beau of the truth when he had retired from business.
+Meanwhile, Miles often talked over his business with Peggy, and usually
+found her clear way of looking at things of infinite assistance to him
+in the sometimes difficult cases which he dealt with. Peggy knew all
+about the murder in Crooked Lane, and how Miles was dealing with the
+matter.  But even she had not been able to suggest a clue to the
+assassin, although she was in full possession of the facts.  "It's
+about this new case I wish to speak," said Jennings.  "By the way,
+Peggy, you know that woman Maraquito I have talked of?"
+
+"Yes.  The gambling-house.  What of her?"
+
+"Well, she seems to be implicated in the matter."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+Jennings related the episode of the photograph, and the incident of the
+same perfume being used by Mrs. Herne and Maraquito.  Peggy nodded.
+
+"I don't see how the photograph connects her with the case," she said
+at length, "but the same perfume certainly is strange.  All the same,
+the scent may be fashionable.  Hikui! Hikui!  I never heard of it."
+
+"It is a Japanese perfume, and Maraquito got it from some foreign
+admirer.  It is strange, as you say."
+
+"Have you seen Mrs. Herne?"
+
+"I saw her at the inquest.  She gave evidence.  But I had no
+conversation with her myself."
+
+"Why don't you look her up?  You mentioned you had her address."
+
+"I haven't it now," said Jennings gloomily.  "I called at the Hampstead
+house, and learned that Mrs. Herne had received such a shock from the
+death of her friend, Miss Loach, that she had gone abroad and would not
+return for an indefinite time.  So I can do nothing in that quarter
+just now.  It is for this reason that I have come here to ask about
+Maraquito."
+
+"From Papa Le Beau," said Peggy, wrinkling her pretty brows. "What can
+he know of this woman?"
+
+"She was a dancer until she had an accident.  Le Beau may have had her
+through his hands."
+
+"Maraquito, Maraquito," murmured Peggy, and shook her head. "No, I do
+not remember her.  How old is she?"
+
+"About thirty, I think; a fine, handsome woman like a tropical flower
+for coloring."
+
+"Spanish.  The name is Spanish."
+
+"I think that is all the Spanish about her.  She talks English without
+the least accent.  Hush! here is papa."
+
+It was indeed the little Professor, who rushed into the room and threw
+himself, blowing and panting, on the dingy sofa.  He was small and dry,
+with black eyes and a wrinkled face.  He wore a blonde wig which did
+not match his yellow complexion, and was neatly dressed in black, with
+an old-fashioned swallow-tail coat of blue.  He carried a small fiddle
+and spoke volubly without regarding the presence of Miles.
+
+"Oh, these cochons of English, my dear," he exclaimed to Peggy, "so
+steef--so wood-steef in the limbs.  Wis 'em I kin do noozzn', no, not a
+leetle bit.  Zey would make ze angils swear.  Ah, mon Dieu, quel
+dommage I haf to teach zem."
+
+"I must see about these accounts," said Peggy, picking up a sheaf of
+papers and running out.  "Stay to dejeuner, Miles."
+
+"Eh, mon ami," cried papa, rising.  "My excuses, but ze pigs make me to
+be mooch enrage.  Zey are ze steef dolls on the Strasburg clock.  You
+are veil--ah, yis--quite veil cheerup."
+
+The Professor had picked up a number of English slang words with which
+he interlarded his conversation.  He meant to be kind, and indeed liked
+Miles greatly.  In proof of his recovered temper, he offered the young
+man a pinch of snuff. Jennings hated snuff, but to keep Papa Le Beau in
+a good temper he accepted the offer and sneezed violently.
+
+"Professor," he said, when somewhat better, "I have come to ask you
+about a lady.  A friend of mine has fallen in love with her, and he
+thought you might know of her."
+
+"Eh, wha-a-at, mon cher?  I understands nozzin'. Ze lady, quel nom?"
+
+"Maraquito Gredos."
+
+"Espagnole," murmured Le Beau, shaking his wig.  "Non.  I do not know
+ze name.  Dancers of Spain.  Ah, yis--I haf had miny--zey are not steef
+like ze cochon Englees.  Describe ze looks, mon ami."
+
+Jennings did so, to the best of his ability, but the old man still
+appeared undecided.  "But she has been ill for three years," added
+Jennings.  "She fell and hurt her back, and--"
+
+"Eh--wha-a-at Celestine!" cried Le Beau excitedly.  "She did fall and
+hurt hersilf--eh, yis--mos' dredfil.  Conceive to yoursilf, my frien',
+she slip on orange peels in ze streets and whacks comes she down.  Tree
+year back--yis--tree year.  Celestine Durand, mon fil."
+
+Jennings wondered.  "But she says she is Spanish."
+
+Le Beau flipped a pinch of snuff in the air.  "Ah, bah!  She no Spain."
+
+"So she is French," murmured Jennings to himself.
+
+"Ah, non; by no means," cried the Frenchman unexpectedly. "She no
+French.  She Englees--yis--I remembers.  A ver' fine and big
+demoiselle.  She wish to come out at de opera. But she too large--mooch
+too large.  Englees--yis--La Juive."
+
+"A Jewess?" cried Jennings in his turn.
+
+"I swear to you, mon ami.  Englees Jewess, mais oui!  For ten months
+she dance here, tree year gone.  Zen zee orange peels and pouf!  I see
+her no mores.  But never dance--no--too large, une grande demoiselle."
+
+"Do you know where she came from?"
+
+"No.  I know nozzin' but what I tell you."
+
+"Did you like her?"
+
+Le Beau shrugged his shoulders.  "I am too old, mon ami.  Les femmes
+like me not.  I haf had mes affairs--ah, yis. Conceive--" and he
+rattled out an adventure of his youth which was more amusing than moral.
+
+But Jennings paid very little attention to him.  He was thinking that
+Maraquito-Celestine was a more mysterious woman than he had thought
+her.  While Jennings was wondering what use he could make of the
+information he had received, Le Beau suddenly flushed crimson.  A new
+thought had occurred to him. "Do you know zis one--zis Celestine
+Durand?  Tell her I vish money--"
+
+"Did she not pay you?"
+
+Le Beau seized Jennings' arm and shook it violently.  "Yis. Tree pound;
+quite raight; oh, certainly.  But ze four piece of gold, a
+louis--non--ze Englees sufferin--"
+
+"The English sovereign.  Yes."
+
+"It was bad money--ver bad."
+
+"Have you got it?" asked Jennings, feeling that he was on the brink of
+a discovery.
+
+"Non.  I pitch him far off in rages.  I know now, Celestine Durand.  I
+admire her; oh, yis.  Fine womans--a viecked eye. Mais une--no, not
+zat.  Bad, I tell you.  If your frien' love, haf nozzin' wis her.  She
+gif ze bad money, one piece--" he held up a lean finger, and then,
+"Aha! ze bell for ze tables.  Allons, marchons.  We dine--we eat," and
+he dashed out of the room as rapidly as he had entered it.
+
+But Jennings did not follow him.  He scribbled a note to Peggy, stating
+that he had to go away on business, and left the Academy.  He felt that
+it would be impossible to sit down and talk of trivial things--as he
+would have to do in the presence of Le Beau--when he had made such a
+discovery.  The case was beginning to take shape.  "Can Maraquito have
+anything to do with the coiners?" he asked himself.  "She is English--a
+Jewess--Saul is a Jewish name.  Can she be of that family?  It seems to
+me that this case is a bigger one than I imagine.  I wonder what I had
+better do?"
+
+It was not easy to say.  However, by the time Jennings reached his
+home--he had chambers in Duke Street, St. James'--he decided to see
+Maraquito.  For this purpose he arrayed himself in accurate evening
+dress.  Senora Gredos thought he was a mere idler, a man-about-town.
+Had she known of his real profession she might not have welcomed him so
+freely to her house.  Maraquito, for obvious reasons, had no desire to
+come into touch with the authorities.
+
+But it must not be thought that she violated the law in any very
+flagrant way.  She was too clever for that.  Her house was conducted in
+a most respectable manner.  It was situated in Golden Square, and was a
+fine old mansion of the days when that locality was fashionable.  Her
+servants were all neat and demure.  Maraquito received a few friends
+every evening for a quiet game of cards, so on the surface no one could
+object to that.  But when the doors were closed, high play went on and
+well-known people ventured large sums on the chances of baccarat.
+Also, people not quite so respectable came, and it was for that reason
+Scotland Yard left the house alone.  When any member of the detective
+staff wished to see anyone of a shady description, the person could be
+found at Maraquito's. Certainly, only the aristocracy of crime came
+here, and never a woman.  Maraquito did not appear to love her own sex.
+She received only gentlemen, and as she was an invalid and attended
+constantly by a duenna in the form of a nurse, no one could say
+anything.  The police knew in an underhand way that the Soho house was
+a gambling saloon, but the knowledge had not come officially, therefore
+no notice was taken.  But Maraquito's servants suspected nothing,
+neither did the gossips of the neighborhood.  Senora Gredos was simply
+looked upon as an invalid fond of entertaining because of her weariness
+in being confined to her couch.
+
+Jennings had appointed a meeting with Mallow in this semi-respectable
+establishment, and looked round when he entered the room.  It was a
+large apartment, decorated in the Adams style and furnished as a
+luxurious drawing-room.  At the side near the window there was a long
+table covered with green baize.  Round this several gentlemen in
+evening dress were standing.  Others played games of their own at
+separate small tables, but most of them devoted themselves to baccarat.
+Maraquito held the bank.  Her couch was drawn up against the wall, and
+the red silk curtains of the window made a vivid background to her dark
+beauty.
+
+She was, indeed, a handsome woman--so much of her as could be seen.
+Half-sitting, half-reclining on her couch, the lower part of her frame
+was swathed in eastern stuffs sparkling with gold threads.  She wore a
+yellow silk dress trimmed about the shoulders with black lace and
+glittering with valuable jewels. Her neck and arms were finely moulded
+and of a dazzling whiteness.  Her small head was proudly set on her
+shoulders, and her magnificent black hair smoothly coiled in lustrous
+tresses above her white forehead.  Her lips were full and rich, her
+eyes large and black, and her nose was thin and high.  The most marked
+feature of her face were the eyebrows, which almost met over her nose.
+She had delicate hands and beautiful arms which showed themselves to
+advantage as she manipulated the cards.  From the gorgeous coverlet her
+bust rose like a splendid flower, and for an invalid she had a
+surprising color.  She was indeed, as Jennings had remarked, like a
+tropical flower.  But there was something sensual and evil about her
+exuberance.  But not a whisper had been heard against her reputation.
+Everyone, sorry for the misfortune which condemned this lovely woman to
+a sickbed, treated her with respect.  Maraquito, as some people said,
+may have been wicked, but no anchorite could have led, on the face of
+it, a more austere life.  Her smile was alluring, and she looked like
+the Lurline drawing men to destruction.  Fortunes had been lost in that
+quiet room.
+
+When Jennings entered, Maraquito was opening a fresh pack of cards,
+while the players counted their losses or winnings and fiddled with the
+red chips used in the game.  On seeing the newcomer, Senora Gredos gave
+him a gracious smile, and said something to the pale, thin woman in
+black who stood at the head of her couch.  The nurse, or duenna--she
+served for both--crossed to Jennings as he advanced towards the buffet,
+on which stood glasses and decanters of wine.
+
+"Madame wishes to know why you have not brought Mr. Mallow."
+
+"Tell madame that he will be here soon.  I have to meet him in this
+place," said the detective to the duenna, and watched the effect of the
+message on Maraquito.
+
+Her face flushed, her eyes brightened, but she did not look again in
+Jennings' direction.  On the contrary, she gave all her attention to
+the game which was now in progress, but Jennings guessed that her
+thoughts were with Mallow, and occasionally he caught her looking for
+his appearance at the door.  "How that woman loves him," he thought, "I
+wonder I never noticed it before.  Quite an infatuation."  For a time
+he watched the players staking large amounts, and saw the pile of gold
+at Maraquito's elbow steadily increasing.  She seemed to have all the
+luck.  The bank was winning and its opponents losing, but the play went
+on steadily for at least half an hour.  At the end of that time a
+newcomer entered the room. Jennings, who had glanced at his watch,
+quite expected to see Cuthbert.  But, to his surprise, he came face to
+face with Lord Caranby.
+
+"I did not expect to see you here," said the detective.
+
+"I come in place of my nephew.  He is unwell," said Caranby; "present
+me to Senora Gredos, if you please, Mr. Jennings."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+JENNINGS ASKS QUESTIONS
+
+
+"Will you play, Lord Caranby?" asked Maraquito, when the introduction
+had been accomplished.
+
+"Pardon me, not at present: in a little time," said the old nobleman,
+with a polite bow and his eyes on the beautiful face.
+
+"As you like," she answered carelessly; "everyone who comes here does
+just as he pleases.  Is your nephew coming?"
+
+"I fear not.  He is unwell."
+
+Maraquito started.  "Unwell.  Nothing serious, I hope?"
+
+"A slight cold."
+
+"Ah!  Everyone has colds just now.  Well, Lord Caranby, I hope to have
+a conversation with you later when someone else takes the bank."
+
+Caranby bowed and moved away slowly, leaning on his cane. Jennings, who
+was beside him, threw a glance over his shoulder at Senora Gredos.
+
+Maraquito's face was pale, and there was a frightened look in her eyes.
+Catching Jennings' inquisitive look she frowned and again addressed
+herself to the game.  Wondering why Lord Caranby should produce such an
+effect, Jennings rejoined him at the end of the room, where they sat on
+a sofa and smoked. "Have you been here before?" asked the detective.
+
+"No," answered the other, lighting his cigar, "and it is improbable
+that I shall come again.  My reason for coming--" he broke off--"I can
+tell you that later.  It is sufficient to say that it has to do with
+your conduct of this case."
+
+"Hush!" whispered Jennings quickly, "my profession is not known here."
+
+"I fear it will be if these two have tongues in their heads."
+
+The detective glanced towards the door and saw Hale enter with Clancy
+at his heels.  Jennings had not seen them since the inquest on the body
+of Miss Loach, when they had given their evidence with great grief and
+frankness.  He was annoyed at meeting them here, for although he had
+seen them in Maraquito's salon before, yet at that time they had not
+known his profession.  But since the inquest the knowledge was common
+property, and doubtless they would tell Senora Gredos if they had not
+done so already.  Jennings' chances of learning what he wished would
+therefore be slight, as everyone is not willing to speak freely before
+an officer of the law.
+
+"It can't be helped," said Jennings with a shrug; "and, in any case,
+Maraquito is too anxious to stand well with the police to make any
+trouble about my coming here."
+
+Caranby did not reply, but looked steadily at the two men who were
+walking slowly up the room.  Hale was slender, tall, and dark in color,
+with a nose like the beak of an eagle.  He was perfectly dressed and
+had even an elegant appearance.  His age might have been forty, but in
+the artificial light he looked even younger.  Clancy, on the other
+hand, wore his clothes with the air of a man unaccustomed to evening
+dress.  He was light in color, with weak blue eyes and a foolish
+expression about his slack mouth.  Jennings wondered why a man like
+Hale should connect himself with such a creature.  The men nodded to
+Senora Gredos, who took little notice of them, and then repaired to the
+buffet.  Owing to the position of the detective and Caranby, the new
+arrivals did not see them.  Nor for the present was the detective
+anxious to attract their notice.  Indeed, he would have stolen away
+unperceived, but that he wished to question Hale as to the whereabouts
+of Mrs. Herne.
+
+"It is a long time since I have seen you," said Caranby, removing his
+eyes from the newcomers, and addressing the detective; "you were not
+an--er--an official when we last met."
+
+"It is three years ago," said Jennings; "no.  I had money then, but
+circumstances over which I had no control soon reduced me to the
+necessity of earning my living.  As all professions were crowded, I
+thought I would turn my talents of observation and deduction to this
+business."
+
+"Do you find it lucrative?"
+
+Jennings smiled and shrugged his shoulders again.  "I do very well," he
+said, "but I have not yet made a fortune."
+
+"Ah!  And Cuthbert told me you wished to marry."
+
+"I do.  But when my fortune will allow me to marry, I don't know."
+
+Caranby, without raising his voice or looking at his companion,
+supplied the information.  "I can tell you that," said he, "when you
+learn who killed Miss Loach."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"On the day you lay your hand on the assassin of that poor woman I
+shall give you five thousand pounds."
+
+Jennings' breath was taken away.  "A large sum," he murmured.
+
+"She was very dear to me at one time," said Caranby with emotion.  "I
+would have married her but for the machinations of her sister."
+
+"Mrs. Octagon?"
+
+"Yes!  She wanted to become my wife.  The story is a long one."
+
+"Cuthbert told it to me."
+
+"Quite right," said Caranby, nodding, "I asked him to.  It seems to me
+that in my romance may be found the motive for the death of Selina
+Loach."
+
+The detective thought over the story.  "I don't quite see--"
+
+"Nor do I.  All the same--" Caranby waved his hand and abruptly changed
+the subject.  "Do you know why I came here to-night?"
+
+"No.  I did not know you ever came to such places."
+
+"Nor do I.  My life is a quiet one now.  I came to see this woman you
+call Maraquito."
+
+"What do you call her?" asked Jennings alertly.
+
+"Ah, that I can't tell you.  But she is no Spaniard."
+
+"Is she a Jewess by any chance?"
+
+Caranby turned to look directly at his companion.  "You ought to be
+able to tell that from her face," he said, "can you not see the seal of
+Jacob impressed there--that strange look which stamps a Hebrew?"
+
+"No," confessed Jennings, "that is, I can see it now, but I came here
+for many a long day before I did guess she was a Jewess.  And then it
+was only because I learned the truth."
+
+"How did you learn it?"
+
+The detective related details of his visit to Monsieur Le Beau and the
+discovery that Maraquito Gredos was one and the same as Celestine
+Durand.  Caranby listened attentively.  "Yes, that is all right," he
+said, "but her name is Bathsheba Saul."
+
+"What?" said Jennings, so loud that several people turned to look.
+
+"Hush!" said Caranby, sinking his voice, "you attract notice. Yes, I
+made Cuthbert describe the appearance of this woman. His description
+vaguely suggested Emilia Saul.  I came here to-night to satisfy myself,
+and I have no doubt but what she is the niece of Emilia--the daughter
+of Emilia's brother."
+
+"Who was connected with the coining gang?"
+
+"Ah, you heard of that, did you?  Exactly.  Her father is dead, I
+believe, but there sits his daughter.  You see in her the image of
+Emilia as I loved her twenty years ago."
+
+"Loved her?" echoed Jennings, significantly.
+
+"You are right," responded Caranby with a keen look.  "I see Cuthbert
+has told you all.  I never did love Emilia.  But she hypnotized me in
+some way.  She was one of those women who could make a man do what
+pleased her.  And this Bathsheba--Maraquito--Celestine, can do the
+same.  It is a pity she is an invalid, but on the whole, as she looks
+rather wicked, mankind is to be congratulated.  Were she able to move
+about like an ordinary woman, she would set the world on fire after the
+fashion of Cleopatra.  You need not mention this."
+
+"I know how to hold my tongue," said Jennings, rather offended by the
+imputation that he was a chatterer, "can I come and see you to talk
+over this matter?"
+
+"By all means.  I am at the Avon Hotel."
+
+"Oh, and by the way, will you allow me to go over that house of yours
+at Rexton?"
+
+"If you like.  Are you a ghost-hunter also?"
+
+"I am a detective!" whispered Jennings quietly, and with such a look
+that Caranby became suddenly attentive.
+
+"Ah!  You think you may discover something in that house likely to lead
+to the discovery of the assassin."
+
+"Yes I do.  I can't explain my reasons now.  The explanation would take
+too long.  However, I see Senora Gredos is beckoning to you.  I will
+speak to Hale and Clancy.  Would you mind telling me what she says to
+you?"
+
+"A difficult question to answer," said Caranby, rising, "as a
+gentleman, I am not in the habit of repeating conversations, especially
+with women.  Besides, she can have no connection with this case."
+
+"On the face of it--no," replied Jennings doubtfully, "but there is a
+link--"
+
+"Ah, you mean that she is Emilia's niece."
+
+"Not exactly that," answered Jennings, thinking of the photograph.  "I
+will tell you what I mean when we next meet."
+
+At this moment, in response to the imperative beckoning of Maraquito's
+fan, Caranby was compelled to go to her.  The couch had been wheeled
+away from the green table, and a gentleman had taken charge of the
+bank.  Maraquito with her couch retreated to a quiet corner of the
+room, and had a small table placed beside her.  Here were served
+champagne and cakes, while Lord Caranby, after bowing in his
+old-fashioned way, took a seat near the beautiful woman.  She gazed
+smilingly at Lord Caranby, yet there was a nervous look in her eyes.
+
+"I have heard of you from Mr. Mallow," she said flushing.
+
+"My nephew.  He comes here at times.  Indeed," said Caranby gallantly,
+"it was his report of your beauty that brought me here to-night."
+
+Maraquito sighed. "The wreck of a beauty," said she bitterly, "three
+years ago indeed--but I met with an accident."
+
+"So I heard.  A piece of orange peel."
+
+The woman started.  "Who told you that?"
+
+"I heard it indirectly from a professor of dancing.  You were a dancer,
+I believe?"
+
+"Scarcely that," said Senora Gredos, nervously playing with her fan; "I
+was learning.  It was Le Beau who told you?"
+
+"Indirectly," responded Caranby.
+
+"I should like to know," said Maraquito deliberately, "who has taken
+the trouble to tell you this.  My life--the life of a shattered
+invalid--can scarcely interest anyone."
+
+"I really forget to whom I am indebted for the information," said Lord
+Caranby mendaciously, "and a lady of your beauty must always interest
+men while they have eyes to see.  I have seen ladies like you in
+Andalusia, but no one so lovely.  Let me see, was it in Andalusia or
+Jerusalem?" mused Lord Caranby.
+
+"I am a Spanish Jewess," said Maraquito, quickly and uneasily, "I have
+only been in London five years."
+
+"And met with an accident a year or two after you arrived," murmured
+Caranby; "how very sad."
+
+Maraquito did not know what to make of the ironical old gentleman.  It
+seemed to her that he was hostile, but she could take no offence at
+what he said.  Moreover, as he was Mallow's uncle, she did not wish to
+quarrel with him.  With a graceful gesture she indicated a glass of
+champagne.  "Will you not drink to our better acquaintance?"
+
+"Certainly," said Caranby without emotion, and sipped a few drops of
+the golden-colored wine.  "I hope to see much of you."
+
+"I reciprocate the hope," said Maraquito radiantly, "and I'll tell you
+a secret.  I have been consulting specialists, and I find that in a few
+months I shall be able to walk as well as ever I did."
+
+"Excellent news," said Caranby, "I hope you will."
+
+"And, moreover," added Maraquito, looking at him from behind her fan;
+"I shall then give up this place.  I have plenty of money, and--"
+
+"You will go back to Spain?"
+
+"That depends.  Should I leave my heart in England--"
+
+"How I envy the man you leave it with."
+
+Maraquito looked down moodily.  "He doesn't care for my heart."
+
+"What a stone he must be.  Now I--upon my word I feel inclined to marry
+and cut my nephew out of the title."
+
+"Your nephew," stammered Maraquito, with a flash of her big eyes.
+
+"You know him well, he tells me," chatted Caranby garrulously, "a
+handsome fellow is Cuthbert.  I am sure the lady he is engaged to
+thinks as much, and very rightly too."
+
+"Miss Saxon!" cried Maraquito, breaking her fan and looking furious.
+
+"Ah!" said Caranby coolly, "you know her?"
+
+"I know of her," said Maraquito bitterly.  "Her brother Basil comes
+here sometimes, and said his sister was engaged to--but they will never
+marry--never!" she said vehemently.
+
+"How can you tell that?"
+
+"Because the mother objects to the match."
+
+"Ah!  And who told you so?  Mr. Basil Saxon?"
+
+"Yes.  He does not approve of it either."
+
+"I fear that will make little difference.  Mallow is set on the
+marriage.  He loves Miss Saxon with all his heart."
+
+Maraquito uttered a low cry of rage, but managed to control herself
+with an effort.  "Do you?" she asked.
+
+Caranby shrugged his thin shoulders.  "I am neutral.  So long as
+Cuthbert marries the woman he loves, I do not mind."
+
+"And what about the woman who loves him?"
+
+"Miss Saxon?  Oh, I am sure--"
+
+"I don't mean Miss Saxon, and he will never marry her--never. You know
+that Mr. Mallow is poor.  Miss Saxon has no money--"
+
+"Pardon me.  I hear her aunt, Miss Loach, who was unfortunately
+murdered at Rexton, has left her six thousand a year."
+
+Senora Gredos turned quite pale and clenched her hands, but she managed
+to control herself again with a powerful effort and masked the rage she
+felt under a bland, false smile.
+
+"Oh, that makes a difference," she said calmly.  "I hope they will be
+happy--if they marry," she added significantly.
+
+"Oh, that is quite settled," said Caranby.
+
+"There's many a slip between the cup and the lip," said Maraquito
+viciously.  "Yonder is Mr. Saxon.  Tell him to come to me."
+
+Caranby bowed and crossed the room to where Basil was talking with a
+frowning face to Hale.  "Don't bother me," he was saying, "it will be
+all right now that the will has been read."
+
+"For your own sake I hope it will be all right," replied Hale, and
+Caranby caught the words as he came up.  After giving his message, he
+sauntered round, watching the play, and seemingly listened to no one.
+But all the time he kept his ears open to hear what Hale and Clancy
+were talking about.
+
+The two men were in a corner of the room, and Clancy was expostulating
+angrily with Hale.  They held their peace when Caranby drifted near
+them, he saw that they were on their guard.  Looking round, he espied
+Jennings playing at a side table, and crossed to him.
+
+"Permit me to take your place," said Caranby, and added in a low tone,
+"watch Hale and Clancy!"
+
+Jennings seized the idea at once and surrendered the chair to the old
+nobleman.  Then he lighted a cigarette and by degrees strolled across
+the room to where the two were again talking vigorously.  "I tell you
+if Basil is pressed too hard he will--" Clancy was saying, but shut his
+mouth as he saw Jennings at his elbow.  The detective came forward with
+a smile, inwardly vexed that he had not been able to hear more.  As he
+advanced he saw Clancy touch Hale on the arm.
+
+"How are you?" said Jennings, taking the initiative, "we met at that
+inquest, I believe."
+
+"Yes," said Hale, polite and smiling, "I remember, Mr. Jennings!  I had
+seen you here before, but I never knew your calling."
+
+"I don't tell it to everyone," said Jennings, "How do you do, Mr.
+Clancy?  I hope you are well.  An amusing place this."
+
+"I need amusement," said Clancy, again assuming his silly smile, "since
+the death of my dear friend.  By the way, have you found out who killed
+her, Mr. Jennings?"
+
+"No.  I fear the assassin will never be discovered."  Here the two men
+exchanged a glance.  "I am engaged on other cases. There was only one
+point I wished to learn in connection with Miss Loach's death."
+
+"What is that?" asked Hale calmly.
+
+"Was Mrs. Herne in Miss Loach's bedroom on that night?"
+
+"I forget," said Clancy before Hale could speak.
+
+"That's a pity," resumed Jennings.  "You see from the fact of the bell
+having been sounded, it struck me that the assassin may have been
+concealed in the bedroom.  Now if Mrs. Herne was in that room, she
+might have noticed something."
+
+"I don't think she did," said Hale hastily.  "Mrs. Herne and I left
+early, owing to Clancy here having offended her. Besides, Mrs. Herne
+told all she knew at the inquest."
+
+"All save that point."
+
+"The question was not asked," said Clancy.
+
+"No.  I should like to ask Mrs. Herne now, but it seems she has gone
+away from Hampstead."
+
+"I don't care if she has," grumbled Clancy, "I hated Mrs. Herne.  She
+was always quarrelling.  Did you call to see her?"
+
+"Yes, but I could not learn where she was.  Now, as you are her lawyer,
+Mr. Hale, you may know."
+
+"She is at Brighton," replied Hale readily, "at the Metropolitan Hotel,
+but she returns to Hampstead in a week."
+
+Jennings was secretly astonished at his question being thus answered,
+as he was inclined to suspect the men.  However, he took a note of the
+address, and said he would attend to the matter.  "But, to tell you the
+truth, it is useless," he said. "The assassin will never be discovered.
+Moreover, there is no reward, and I should only work for no wages.  You
+stay at Rose Cottage now, I believe, Mr. Clancy?"
+
+"I do.  Mrs. Pill has taken the place.  Who told you?"
+
+"I heard from Susan Grant.  She was witness, if you remember. And has
+Mrs. Pill married Barnes yet?"
+
+"I can't say," said Clancy, looking keenly at the detective. "I am not
+yet a boarder.  I move in after a fortnight.  I expect the marriage
+will take place before then.  Susan Grant told you that also?"
+
+"She did.  But I don't expect I'll see her again.  Well, gentlemen, I
+must go away.  I hope you will be lucky."
+
+Jennings moved away and saw from the eager manner in which the two men
+began to converse that he was the subject of the conversation.  He
+looked round for Caranby, but could not see him.  When he was out of
+the house, however, and on the pavement lighting a cigarette, he felt a
+touch on his arm and found Caranby waiting for him.  The old gentleman
+pointed with his cane to a brougham! "Get in," he said, "I have been
+waiting to see you.  There is much to talk about."
+
+"Maraquito?" asked Jennings eagerly.
+
+"She has something to do with the matter.  Love for Cuthbert has made
+her involve herself.  How far or in what way I do not know.  And what
+of Clancy and Hale?"
+
+"Oh, I have put them off the scent.  They think I have given up the
+case.  But they and Maraquito are connected with the matter somehow.  I
+can't for the life of me see in what way though."
+
+"There is another woman connected with the matter--Mrs. Octagon."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Jennings quickly.
+
+"I saw her enter Maraquito's house a few moments before you came down."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+JULIET AT BAY
+
+
+Caranby's reply took away Jennings' breath.  The case was one of
+surprises, but he was not quite prepared for such an announcement.  He
+was in the brougham and driving towards the Avon Hotel with the old
+nobleman before he found his tongue.
+
+"What can Mrs. Octagon have to do with Maraquito?" he asked amazed.
+
+"Ah! that is the question," replied Caranby, affording no clue.
+
+"I did not even know she was acquainted with her."
+
+"Perhaps she gambles."
+
+"Even if she did, Maraquito's salon would hardly be the place she would
+choose for her amusement.  Moreover, Maraquito does not receive ladies.
+She has no love for her own sex."
+
+"What woman has?" murmured Caranby, ironically.  Then he added after a
+pause, "You know that Mrs. Octagon was present when Emilia fell from
+the plank in the Rexton house?"
+
+"Yes.  She gave evidence at the inquest I understand.  But Selina did
+not, if Cuthbert informed me rightly."
+
+"Selina was ill in bed.  She could not come.  Afterwards she went
+abroad.  I have often wondered," added Caranby, "why Selina didn't seek
+me out when death broke my engagement to Emilia.  She loved me, and her
+father being dead, there would have been no bar to our marriage.  As it
+was, she threw over her American and dedicated herself to a hermit's
+life at Rexton."
+
+"You never saw her again?"
+
+"Never.  I started to travel, and came to London only at rare
+intervals.  I did write to Selina, asking her to see me, but she always
+refused, so I became philosophic and took to celibacy also."
+
+"Very strange," murmured Jennings, his thoughts elsewhere, "but this
+does not explain Mrs. Octagon's visit to the house."
+
+"I am not so sure of that, if you mean Maraquito's house. Mrs. Octagon
+may know, as I do, that Maraquito is the niece of Emilia."
+
+"Are you sure of that?" asked the detective eagerly.
+
+"As sure as I am that she is no Spaniard, nor even a Spanish Jewess, as
+she claims to be.  She doesn't even know the language.  Her name, to
+fit a woman, should terminate in a feminine manner.  She should be
+called Maraquita, not Maraquito.  That little grammatical error
+doubtless escaped her notice.  But as I was saying, Maraquito--we will
+still call her so--may have sent for Mrs. Octagon."
+
+"Mrs. Octagon, so far as I have seen, is not the woman to obey such a
+call," said Jennings grimly.
+
+"Maraquito may have compelled her to come."
+
+"For what reason?"
+
+"Well, you see, Emilia was said by Isabella Loach--Mrs. Octagon that
+is--to have fallen from the plank.  But Mrs. Octagon may have pushed
+her off."
+
+"May have murdered her in fact."
+
+"Quite so.  Isabella loved me, and was, and is, a very violent woman.
+It may be that she pushed Emilia off the plank, and Maraquito, through
+her dead father, may have learned the truth.  This would give her a
+hold over Mrs. Octagon."
+
+"But Selina may have killed Emilia.  That would explain her hermit
+life, inexplicable in any other way."
+
+"No," said Caranby in a shaking voice, "I am sure the woman I loved
+would never have behaved in that way.  Isabella killed Emilia--if it
+was a murder--and then threatened to denounce Selina unless she gave up
+the idea of marrying me. And that," added Caranby, as though struck
+with a new idea, "may be the cause why Selina never answered my letter,
+and always refused to see or marry me.  She may have been--no, I am
+sure she was--under the thumb of Isabella.  Now that Selina is dead,
+Isabella is under the thumb of Maraquito."
+
+"This is all theory," said Jennings impatiently.
+
+"We can only theorize in our present state of uncertainty," was the
+reply of the nobleman.  "But my explanation is a reasonable one."
+
+"I do not deny that.  But why should Maraquito send for Mrs. Octagon?"
+
+"Why?" echoed Caranby in surprise, "in order to stop the marriage with
+Cuthbert.  Maraquito loves Cuthbert and hates Juliet.  I daresay this
+is the solution of Mrs. Octagon's strange behavior since the death.  It
+is Maraquito who is stopping the marriage by threatening to denounce
+Mrs. Octagon for the murder of her aunt.  Juliet knows this, and hence
+her reticence."
+
+"It might be so," murmured Jennings, more and more perplexed. "But Miss
+Saxon won't be reticent with me.  I'll see her to-morrow."
+
+"What means will you use to make her speak?"
+
+"I'll tell her that Cuthbert may be arrested for the crime. You know he
+was about the place on the night of the murder."
+
+"Yes.  He went down to look after a possible ghost.  But I hope you
+will not bring Cuthbert into the matter unless it is absolutely
+necessary.  I don't want a scandal."
+
+"Rest easy, Lord Caranby.  I have the complete control of this affair,
+and I'll only use Cuthbert's presence at Rexton to make Miss Saxon
+speak out.  But then, she may not be keeping silence for Cuthbert's
+sake, as she can't possibly know he was at Rexton on that night.  My
+own opinion is that she is shielding her brother."
+
+"Do you suspect him?" asked Caranby quickly.
+
+"He may not be guilty of the crime, but he knows something about it, I
+am sure."  Here Jennings related how Clancy had said Basil would speak
+out if pressed too hard.  "Now Basil, for some reason, is in
+difficulties with Hale, who is a scoundrel.  But Basil knows something
+which Hale and Clancy wish to be kept silent.  Hale has been using
+threats to Basil, and the young man has turned restive.  Clancy, who is
+by no means such a fool as he looks, warned Hale to-night. Therefore I
+take it, that Basil has some information about the murder.  Miss Saxon
+knows he has, and she is shielding him."
+
+"But Clancy, Hale and Mrs. Herne were all out of the house when the
+woman was stabbed," said Caranby, "they cannot have anything to do with
+it."
+
+"Quite so, on the face of it.  But that bell--" Jennings broke off.  "I
+don't think those three are so innocent as appears.  However, Mrs.
+Herne is coming back to her Hampstead house next week; I'll see her and
+put questions."
+
+"Which she will not answer," said Caranby drily.  "Besides, you should
+have put them at the inquest."
+
+"The case had not developed so far.  I had not so much information as I
+have now," argued Jennings.
+
+"Did you examine Mrs. Herne at the inquest?"
+
+"No; she gave her evidence." Jennings hesitated.  "She also wore a veil
+when she spoke, and refused to raise it on account of weak eyes.  By
+the way, do you notice that Maraquito uses a strong scent?"
+
+"Yes.  Clancy and Hale also use it."
+
+"Ha!" said Jennings, surprised.  "I never knew that. Decidedly, I am
+growing stupid.  Well, Mrs. Herne uses that scent also.  It is a rare
+scent."  Then Jennings told what Susan Grant had said.  "Now I think
+there is some significance in this scent which is connected with the
+association of Clancy, Hale, Maraquito and Mrs. Herne."
+
+"But Mrs. Herne doesn't know Maraquito."
+
+"I am not so sure of that.  Susan Grant thinks she may be Maraquito's
+mother, she is so like her in an elderly way.  Did you know this Mrs.
+Saul?"
+
+"No.  I knew the brother who came to speak to me after the death of his
+sister, and who afterwards was put in jail for coining.  His wife I
+never met.  I never even heard of her. But Maraquito takes after her
+father in looks and he was like Emilia."
+
+"It is a difficult matter to unravel," said Jennings.  "I think Mrs.
+Herne refused to raise her veil at the inquest so that the likeness
+between her and Maraquito might not be observed.  I was there, and if
+Mrs. Herne is what I say, she would have been put on her guard by
+Maraquito.  Though to be sure," added Jennings in a vexed tone,
+"Maraquito did not know then, and perhaps does not know now, that I am
+a detective."
+
+"Clancy and Hale will enlighten her," said Caranby, as the vehicle
+stopped, "will you not come in?"
+
+"Not to-night.  I will do myself the honor of calling on you later,
+when I have more to say.  At present I am going to sort out what
+evidence I have.  To-morrow I'll call on Miss Saxon."
+
+"Call on Mrs. Octagon," were Caranby's parting words, "believe me, she
+knows the truth, but I'll tell you one thing. Maraquito did not kill
+Miss Loach, for the death of Selina has given Juliet enough money to
+marry Cuthbert, independent of Mrs. Octagon's wishes, and Maraquito
+would never have brought that about."
+
+"Yet all the same Miss Saxon will not marry."
+
+Caranby made a gesture to show that the matter was beyond his
+comprehension, and ascended the steps of the hotel.  Jennings, deep in
+thought, walked away, wondering how he was to disentangle the skein
+which Fate had placed in his hand to unravel.
+
+That night the detective surveyed the situation.  So far as he could
+see, he seemed no further advanced than he had been at the inquest.
+Certainly he had accumulated a mass of evidence, but it threw no light
+on the case.  From Caranby's romance, it seemed that the dead woman had
+been connected with the Saul family.  That seemed to link her with
+Maraquito, who appeared to be the sole surviving member.  In her turn,
+Maraquito was connected in some underhand way with Mrs. Octagon, seeing
+that the elder woman came by stealth to the Soho house.  Mrs. Octagon
+was connected with the late Emilia Saul by a crime, if what Caranby
+surmised was correct, and her daughter was forbidden to marry Mallow,
+who was the nephew of the man who had been the lover both of Miss Loach
+and Emilia Saul.  Hale and Clancy were playing some game with Basil
+Saxon, who was the son of Mrs. Octagon, and he was associated with
+Maraquito. Thus it would seem that all these people were connected in
+various ways with the dead woman.  But the questions were: Had one of
+them struck the fatal blow, and if so, who had been daring enough to do
+so?
+
+"Again," murmured Jennings, "who touched that bell?  Not the assassin,
+who would scarcely have been fool enough to call anyone to examine his
+work before he had time to escape. Certainly it may have been a woman!
+Yes!  I believe a man killed Miss Loach, for some reason I have yet to
+learn, and a woman, out of jealousy, wishing to get him into the grip
+of the law, touched the bell so that witnesses might appear before the
+assassin could escape.  But who struck the blow?"
+
+This was a difficult question.  It could not have been Basil Saxon, for
+he was at the Marlow Theatre on that night with his sister.  Cuthbert
+had no motive, and Jennings quite believed his explanation as to his
+exploration of the park between the hours of ten and eleven.  Hale,
+Clancy and Mrs. Herne were all out of the house before the blow had
+been struck, and, moreover, there was no reason why they should murder
+a harmless old lady.  Maraquito confined to her couch could not
+possibly have anything to do with the crime.  Mrs. Octagon did hate her
+sister, but she certainly would not risk killing her. In fact, Jennings
+examining into the motives and movements of those mentioned, could find
+no clue to the right person.  He began to believe that the crime had
+been committed by someone who had not yet appeared--someone whose
+motive might be found in the past of the dead woman.  Say a member of
+the Saul family.
+
+But Maraquito was the sole surviving member, and on the face of it was
+innocent.  As yet Jennings did not know whether Mrs. Herne was her
+mother, in spite of the resemblance which Susan claimed to have seen.
+Also, Caranby said that Maraquito resembled her father, and the
+features of the Saul family were so strongly marked that it was
+impossible the elder Saul could have married a woman resembling him.
+"Though, to be sure, he might have married a relative," said Jennings,
+and went to bed more perplexed than ever.
+
+Next day, before calling at the "Shrine of the Muses," he went to
+Scotland Yard, and there made inquiries about the rumor of false coins
+being in circulation.  These appeared to be numerous and were admirably
+made.  Also from France and Russia and Italy came reports that false
+money was being scattered about.  The chief of the detective staff
+possessed these coins of all sorts, and Jennings was forced to own that
+they were admirable imitations.  He went away, wondering if this crime
+could be connected in any way with the circulation of false money.
+"Maraquito is a member of the Saul family, who appear to have been
+expert coiners," said Jennings, on his way to Kensington, "and,
+according to Le Beau, she gave him a false sovereign.  I wonder if she
+keeps up the business, and if Clancy and Hale, together with Mrs.
+Herne, this supposititious mother, have to do with the matter.  That
+unfinished house would make an admirable factory, and the presence of
+the ghosts would be accounted for if a gang of coiners was discovered
+there.  But there is a fifteen-feet wall round the house, and the park
+is a regular jungle.  Cuthbert examined the place by day and night and
+could see nothing suspicious. I wonder if Miss Loach, living near the
+place, learned that a gang was there.  If so, it is quite conceivable
+that she might have been murdered by one of them.  But how the deuce
+did anyone enter the house?  The door certainly opened at half-past ten
+o'clock, either to let someone in or someone out.  But the bell did not
+sound for half an hour later.  Can there be any outlet to that house,
+and is it connected with the unfinished mansion of Lord Caranby, used
+as a factory?"
+
+This was all theory, but Jennings could deduce no other explanation
+from the evidence he had collected.  He determined to search the
+unfinished house, since Caranby had given him permission, and also to
+make an inspection of Rose Cottage, though how he was to enter on a
+plausible excuse he did not know.  But Fate gave him a chance which he
+was far from expecting.  On arriving at the "Shrine of the Muses" he
+was informed that Miss Saxon had gone to Rexton.  This was natural
+enough, since she owned the cottage, but Jennings was inclined to
+suspect Juliet from her refusal to marry Cuthbert or to explain her
+reason, and saw something suspicious in all she did.  He therefore took
+the underground railway at once to Rexton, and, alighting at the
+station, went to Crooked Lane through the by-path, which ran through
+the small wood of pines.  On looking at the cottage he saw that the
+windows were open, that carpets were spread on the lawn, and that the
+door was ajar.  It seemed that Mrs. Pill was indulging in the spring
+cleaning alluded to by Susan Grant.
+
+At the door Jennings met Mrs. Pill herself, with her arms bare and a
+large coarse apron protecting her dress.  She was dusty and untidy and
+cross.  Nor did her temper grow better when she saw the detective, whom
+she recognized as having been present at the inquest.
+
+"Whyever 'ave you come 'ere, sir?" asked she.  "I'm sure there ain't no
+more corpses for you to discover."
+
+"I wish to see Miss Saxon.  I was told she was here."
+
+"Well, she is," admitted Mrs. Pill, placing her red arms akimbo, "not
+as I feel bound to tell it, me not being in the witness-box.  She 'ave
+come to see me about my rent.  An' you, sir?"
+
+"I wish to speak to Miss Saxon," said Jennings patiently.
+
+Mrs. Pill rubbed her nose and grumbled.  "She's up in the attics," said
+she, "lookin' at some dresses left by pore Miss Loach, and there ain't
+a room in the 'ouse fit to let you sit down in, by reason of no chairs
+being about.  'Ave you come to tell me who killed mistress?"
+
+"No!  I don't think the assassin will ever be discovered."
+
+"Ah, well.  We're all grass," wailed Mrs. Pill; "but if you wish to see
+Miss Saxon, see her you will.  Come this way to the lower room, an'
+I'll go up to the attics."
+
+"Let me go, too, and it will save Miss Saxon coming down," said
+Jennings, wishing to take Juliet unawares.
+
+"Ah, now you speaks sense.  Legs is legs when stairs are about,
+whatever you may say," said Mrs. Pill, leading the way, "an' you'll
+excuse me, Mr. Policeman, if I don't stop, me 'avin' a lot of work to
+do, as Susan's gone and Geraldine with 'er, not to speak of my 'usbin'
+that is to be, he havin' gone to see Mrs. Herne, drat her!"
+
+"Why has he gone to see Mrs. Herne?" asked Jennings quickly.
+
+"Arsk me another," said the cook querulously, "he's a secret one is
+Thomas Barnes, whatever you may say.  He comes and he goes and makes
+money by 'is doin's, whatever they may be.  For not a word do I 'ear of
+'is pranks.  I've a good mind to remain Pill to the end of my days,
+seein' as he keeps secrets."
+
+Jennings said no more, but secretly wondered why Thomas had gone to
+visit Mrs. Herne.  He determined to call on that lady at once and see
+if he could learn what message Thomas had taken her and from whom.  But
+he had not much time for thought as Mrs. Pill opened a door to the
+right of a narrow passage and pushed him in.  "An' now I'll go back to
+my dustin'," said the cook, hurrying away.
+
+Jennings found himself face to face with Juliet.  She was standing on a
+chair with her hand up on the cornice.  As soon as she saw him she came
+down with rather a white face.  The room was filled with trunks and
+large deal boxes, and some were open, revealing clothes.  Dust lay
+thick on others apparently locked, and untouched for many years.  The
+light filtered into the dusty attic through a dirty window, and the
+floor was strewn with straw and other rubbish.  Miss Saxon did not know
+the detective and her face resumed its normal color and expression.
+
+"Who are you and what do you want?" she asked, casting a nervous look
+at the cornice.
+
+Jennings removed his hat.  "I beg your pardon," he said politely.
+"Mrs. Pill showed me up here when I asked to see you."
+
+"She had no right," said Juliet, looking at her dress, which was rather
+dusty, "come downstairs and tell me who you are."
+
+She appeared anxious to get him out of the room, and walked before him
+out of the door.  As she passed through Jennings contrived to shut it
+as though her dress had caught the lower part.  Then he lightly turned
+the key.  He could hear Juliet fumbling at the lock.  "What is the
+matter?" she called through.
+
+"The lock has got hampered in some way," said Jennings, rattling the
+key, "one moment, I'll look at it carefully."
+
+As he said this he made one bound to the chair upon which she had been
+standing and reached his hand to the cornice at which she had looked.
+Passing his hand rapidly along it came into contact with an object long
+and sharp.  He drew it down.  It was a brand-new knife of the sort
+called bowie.  Jennings started on seeing this object, but having no
+time to think (for he did not wish to rouse her suspicions), he slipped
+the knife in his vest and ran again to the door.  After a lot of
+ostentatious fumbling he managed to turn the key again and open the
+door.  Juliet was flushed and looked at him angrily. But she cast no
+second look at the cornice, which showed Jennings that she did not
+suspect his ruse.
+
+"Your dress caught the door and shut it," he explained, "the lock seems
+to be out of order."
+
+"I never knew it was," said Juliet, examining it; "it always locked
+easy enough before."
+
+"Hum," thought Jennings, "so you have been here before and you have
+kept the door locked on account of the knife probably," but he looked
+smilingly at the girl all the time.
+
+"I am sorry," he said, when she desisted from her examination.
+
+"It's my fault," said Juliet unsuspiciously, and closed the door.  She
+led the way along the passage and down the stairs. "Who are you?" she
+asked, turning round half way down.
+
+"I am a friend of Mallow's," said the detective.
+
+"I have never met you?"
+
+"Yet I have been to your house, Miss Saxon.  Perhaps my name, Miles
+Jennings, may--"
+
+The girl started with a cry.  "You are a detective!" she gasped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+MRS. OCTAGON EXPLAINS
+
+
+The young girl leaned against the wall, white, and with closed eyes.
+Alarmed by her appearance, Jennings would have assisted her, but she
+waved him off and staggered down the stairs.  By a powerful effort she
+managed to subdue her feelings, and when in the hall turned to him with
+a sickly smile.  "I am glad to see you," she said.  "Mr. Mallow has
+often spoken to you of me.  You are his friend, I know."
+
+"His best friend, in spite of the difference in our position."
+
+"Oh," Juliet waved that objection aside, "I know you are a gentleman
+and took up this work merely as a hobby."
+
+"I fear not," smiled Jennings.  "To make money."
+
+"Not in a very pleasant way.  However, as you are Mr. Mallow's friend,
+I am glad you have this case in hand," she fixed her eyes on the
+detective.  "Have you discovered anything?" she asked anxiously.
+
+"Nothing much," replied Jennings, who rapidly decided to say nothing
+about his discovery of the knife.  "I fear the truth will never be
+found out, Miss Saxon.  I suppose you have no idea?"
+
+"I," she said, coloring, "what put such a thing into your head?  I am
+absolutely ignorant of the truth.  Did you come to ask me about--"
+
+"That amongst other things," interrupted Jennings, seeing Mrs. Pill's
+bulky figure at the door.  "Can we not talk in some quieter place?"
+
+"Come downstairs," said Juliet, moving, "but the rooms are unfurnished
+as Mrs. Pill is cleaning them.  The house is quiet enough."
+
+"So I see," said the detective, following his companion down to the
+basement, "only yourself and Mrs. Pill."
+
+"And my mother," she answered.  "We came here to see about some
+business connected with the letting of the cottage.  My mother is lying
+down in the old part of the house.  Do you wish to see her?"
+
+"No.  I wish to see you."
+
+By this time they had entered the sitting-room in which the crime had
+been committed.  The carpets were up, the furniture had been removed,
+the walls were bare.  Jennings could have had no better opportunity of
+seeking for any secret entrance, the existence of which he suspected by
+reason of the untimely sounding of the bell.  But everything seemed to
+be in order. The floor was of oak, and there was--strangely enough--no
+hearth-stone.  The French windows opened into the conservatory, now
+denuded of its flowers, and stepping into this Jennings found that the
+glass roof was entirely closed, save for a space for ventilation.  The
+assassin could not have entered or escaped in that way, and there was
+no exit from the room save by the door.
+
+"Would you like to see the bedroom?" asked Juliet sarcastically.  "I
+see you are examining the place, though I should have thought you would
+have done so before."
+
+"I did at the time," replied Jennings calmly, "but the place was then
+full of furniture and the carpets were down.  Let me see the bedroom by
+all means."
+
+Juliet led the way into the next room, which was also bare. There was
+one window hermetically sealed and with iron shutters.  This looked out
+on to a kind of well, and light was reflected from above by means of a
+sheet of silvered tin.  No one could have got out by the window, and
+even then, it would have been difficult to have climbed up the well
+which led to the surface of the ground.  The floor and walls had no
+marks of entrances, and Jennings returned to the sitting-room
+completely baffled.  Then Juliet spoke again.  "I cannot help wondering
+what you expect to find," she observed.
+
+"I thought there might be a secret entrance," said Jennings, looking at
+her keenly, "but there seems to be none."
+
+Miss Saxon appeared genuinely astonished and looked round.  "I never
+heard of such a thing," she said, puzzled.  "And what would a quiet old
+lady like my aunt need with a secret entrance?"
+
+"Well, you see, the assassin could not have sounded that bell and have
+escaped by the front door.  Had he done so, he would have met Susan
+Grant answering the call.  Therefore, he must have escaped in some
+other way.  The windows of both rooms are out of the question."
+
+"Yes.  But I understood that the assassin escaped at half-past ten."
+
+"According to the evidence it looks like that.  But who then sounded
+the bell?"
+
+Juliet shook her head.  "I can't say," she said with a sigh. "The whole
+case is a mystery to me."
+
+"You don't know who killed Miss Loach?  Please do not look so
+indignant, Miss Saxon.  I am only doing my duty."
+
+The girl forced a smile.  "I really do not know, nor can I think what
+motive the assassin can have had.  He must have had some reason, you
+know, Mr. Jennings."
+
+"You say 'he.'  Was the assassin then a man?"
+
+"I suppose so.  At the inquest the doctor said that no woman could have
+struck such a blow.  But I am really ignorant of all, save what
+appeared in the papers.  I am the worst person in the world to apply to
+for information, sir."
+
+"Perhaps you are, so far as the crime is concerned.  But there is one
+question I should like to ask you.  An impertinent one."
+
+"What is it?" demanded the girl, visibly nervous.
+
+"Why do you refuse to marry Mallow?"
+
+"That is very impertinent," said Juliet, controlling herself; "so much
+so that I refuse to reply."
+
+"As a gentleman, I take that answer," said Jennings mildly, "but as a
+detective I ask again for your reason."
+
+"I fail to see what my private affairs have to do with the law."
+
+Jennings smiled at this answer and thought of the knife which he had
+found.  A less cautious man would have produced it at once and have
+insisted on an explanation.  But Jennings wished to learn to whom the
+knife belonged before he ventured.  He was sure that it was not the
+property of Juliet, who had no need for such a dangerous article, and
+he was equally sure that as she was shielding someone, she would
+acknowledge that she had bought the weapon.  He was treading on
+egg-shells, and it behooved him to be cautious.  "Very good," he said
+at length, "we will pass that question for the present, though as
+Mallow's friend I am sorry.  Will you tell me to whom you gave the
+photograph of Mallow which he presented to you?"
+
+"How do you know about that?" asked Miss Saxon quickly.  "And why do
+you ask?"
+
+"Because I have seen the photograph."
+
+"That is impossible," she answered coldly; "unless you were in this
+house before the death of my aunt."
+
+"Ah! then it was to Miss Loach you gave it," said Jennings, wondering
+how Maraquito had become possessed of it.
+
+"It was; though I do not recognize your right to ask such a question,
+Mr. Jennings.  My late aunt was very devoted to Mr. Mallow and anxious
+that our marriage should take place.  He gave me the photograph--"
+
+"With an inscription," put in the detective.
+
+"Certainly," she rejoined, flushing, "with an inscription intended for
+me alone.  I was unwilling to part with the photograph, but my aunt
+begged so eagerly for it that I could not refuse it."
+
+"How did she see it in the first instance?"
+
+"I brought it to show her after Mr. Mallow gave it to me.  May I ask
+where you saw it?"
+
+Jennings looked at her with marked significance.  "I saw it in the
+house of a woman called Maraquito."
+
+"And how did it get there?"
+
+"I can't tell you.  Do you know this woman?"
+
+"I don't even know her name.  Who is she?"
+
+"Her real name is Senora Gredos and she claims to be a Spanish Jewess.
+She keeps a kind of gambling salon.  To be plain with you, Miss Saxon,
+I really did not see the photograph in her house.  But a girl called
+Susan Grant--"
+
+"I know.  My late aunt's parlor-maid."
+
+"Well, the photograph was in her box.  I found it when the servants
+insisted on their boxes being searched.  She confessed that she had
+taken it from her last mistress, who was Senora Gredos.  As you gave it
+to Miss Loach, I should be glad to know how it came into the possession
+of this woman."
+
+"I really can't tell you, no more than I can say why Susan took it.
+What was her reason?"
+
+"Mr. Mallow is a handsome man--" began Jennings, when she stopped him
+with a gesture.
+
+"Do you mean to say--no, I'll never believe it."
+
+"I was not going to say anything against Mallow's character. But this
+foolish girl cherished a foolish infatuation for Mallow.  She saw him
+at Senora Gredos' house--"
+
+"Ah!" said Juliet, turning pale.  "I remember now.  Basil mentioned
+that Cuthbert gambled, but he did not say where."
+
+"Mallow gambled a little at Maraquito's, as did your brother. The only
+difference is that Mallow could afford to lose and your brother could
+not.  Are you sure you never heard the name of Maraquito?"
+
+"Quite sure," said Juliet, meeting his gaze so calmly that he saw she
+was speaking the truth.  "Well, I understand how you got the
+photograph, but how did this woman get it?  I never heard my aunt
+mention her, either as Maraquito or as Senora Gredos."
+
+"Was your aunt open with you?"
+
+"Perfectly open.  She had nothing in her life to conceal."
+
+"I am not so sure of that," murmured the detective.  "Well, I cannot
+say how Maraquito became possessed of this photograph."
+
+Juliet shrugged her shoulders.  "In that case we may dismiss the
+matter," she said, wiping her dry lips; "and I can't see what the
+photograph has to do with this crime."
+
+"I can't see it myself, but one never knows."
+
+"Do you accuse Mr. Mallow?"
+
+"Supposing I did.  I know Mr. Mallow was near this place on the night
+of the murder and about the hour."
+
+Juliet leaned against the wall and turned away her face.  "It is not
+true.  What should bring him there?"
+
+"He had business connected with the unfinished house at the back owned
+by Lord Caranby.  But I don't suppose anyone saw him."
+
+"How do you know he was here then?" asked Juliet, gray and agitated.
+
+"He confessed to me that he had been here.  But we can talk of that
+later--"
+
+Juliet interposed.  "One moment," she cried, "do you accuse him?"
+
+"As yet I accuse no one.  I must get more facts together.  By the way,
+Miss Saxon, will you tell the where you were on that night?"
+
+"Certainly," she replied in a muffled voice, "at the Marlow Theatre
+with my brother Basil."
+
+"Quite so.  But I don't think the play was to your liking."
+
+"What do you mean by that?"
+
+"Well," said Jennings slowly, and watching the changing color of her
+face, "in your house you do not favor melodrama.  I wonder you went to
+see this one at the Marlow Theatre."
+
+"The writer is a friend of ours," said Juliet defiantly.
+
+"In that case, you might have paid him the compliment of remaining till
+the fall of the curtain."
+
+Juliet trembled violently and clung to the wall.  "Go on," she said
+faintly.
+
+"You had a box, as I learned from the business manager.  But shortly
+after eight your brother left the theatre: you departed after nine."
+
+"I went to see an old friend in the neighborhood," stammered Juliet.
+
+"Ah, and was that neighborhood this one, by any chance?  In a
+hansom--which I believe you drove away in--one can reach this place
+from the Marlow Theatre in a quarter of an hour."
+
+"I--I--did not come here."
+
+"Then where did you go?"
+
+"I decline to say."
+
+"Where did your brother go?"
+
+"He did not tell me.  Did the manager inform you of anything else?"
+
+"He merely told me that you and your brother left the theatre as I
+stated.  You decline to reveal your movements."
+
+"I do," said Juliet, clenching her hands and looking pale but defiant.
+"My private business can have nothing to do with you.  As you seek to
+connect me with this case, it is your business to prove what you say.
+I refuse to speak."
+
+"Will your brother refuse?"
+
+"You had better ask him," said Miss Saxon carelessly, but with an
+effort to appear light-hearted.  "I don't inquire into my brother's
+doings, Mr. Jennings."
+
+"Yet you heard about his gambling."
+
+"I don't see what that has to do with the matter in hand.  Do you
+accuse me and Basil of having killed my aunt?"
+
+"I accuse no one, as yet," said Jennings, chagrined at her reticence,
+"I said that before.  Did you not speak with your aunt on that night?"
+
+"No," said Juliet positively.  "I certainly did not."
+
+Jennings changed his tactics, and became apparently friendly. "Well,
+Miss Saxon, I won't bother you any more.  I am sure you have told me
+all you know." Juliet winced.  "Have you any idea if the weapon with
+which the crime was committed has been discovered?"
+
+"That is a strange question for a detective to ask."
+
+"A very necessary one.  Well?"
+
+"I know nothing about it," she said in an almost inaudible voice.
+
+"Do you know Mrs. Herne?"
+
+"I have met her once or twice here."
+
+"Did you like her?"
+
+"I can hardly say.  I did not take much notice of her.  She appeared to
+be agreeable, but she was over-dressed and used a perfume which I
+disliked."
+
+"Had you ever met anyone using such a perfume before?"
+
+"No.  It was strong and heavy.  Quite a new scent to me.  The odor gave
+me a headache!"
+
+"Was Mrs. Herne a great friend of your aunt's?"
+
+"I believe so.  She came here with Mr. Hale and Mr. Clancy to play."
+
+"Hale," said Jennings, "I forgot Hale.  Does he still retain your
+business, Miss Saxon?"
+
+"No.  I have given over the management of my property to our own
+lawyer.  Mr. Hale was quite willing."
+
+"Does your brother Basil still make a friend of Mr. Hale?"
+
+"I don't know," said Juliet, changing color again.  "I do not ask about
+Basil's doings.  I said that before.  Hark," she added, anxious to put
+an end to the conversation, "my mother is coming."
+
+"I should like to see Mrs. Octagon," said Jennings.
+
+"She will be here in a few minutes.  I shall tell her," and Juliet,
+without a look, left the room, evidently glad to get away.
+
+Jennings frowned and took out the knife at which he looked. "She knows
+a good deal about this affair," he murmured.  "Who is she shielding?  I
+suspect her brother.  Otherwise she would not have hidden the knife.  I
+wonder to whom it belongs.  Here are three notches cut in the
+handle--there is a stain on the blade--blood, I suppose."
+
+He got no further in his soliloquy, for Mrs. Octagon swept into the
+room in her most impressive manner.  She was calm and cool, and her
+face wore a smile as she advanced to the detective.  "My dear Mr.
+Jennings," she said, shaking him warmly by the hand, "I am so glad to
+see you, though I really ought to be angry, seeing you came to my house
+so often and never told me what you did."
+
+"You mightn't have welcomed me had you known," said he dryly.
+
+"I am above such vulgar prejudices," said Mrs. Octagon, waving her hand
+airily, "and I am sure your profession is an arduous one.  When Juliet
+told me that you were looking into this tragic death of my poor sister
+I was delighted.  So consoling to have to do with a gentleman in an
+unpleasant matter like this.  Why have you come?"
+
+This last question was put sharply, and Mrs. Octagon fastened her big
+black eyes on the calm face of the detective.  "Just to have a look at
+the house," he said readily, for he was certain Juliet would not report
+their conversation to her mother.
+
+Mrs. Octagon shrugged her shoulders.  "A very nice little house, though
+rather commonplace in its decoration; but my poor sister never did have
+much taste.  Have you discovered anything likely to lead to the
+discovery of her assassin?"
+
+"I am ashamed to say I am quite in the dark," replied Jennings.  "I
+don't suppose the truth will ever be discovered."
+
+The woman appeared relieved, but tried to assume a sad expression.
+"Oh, how very dreadful," she said, "she will lie in her untimely grave,
+unavenged.  Alas!  Alas!"
+
+But Jennings was not mystified by her tragic airs.
+
+He was certain she knew something and feared lest it should come to his
+knowledge.  Therefore he resolved to startle her by a blunt question.
+"I never knew you were acquainted with Maraquito!"
+
+Mrs. Octagon was not at all taken aback.  "I don't know such creatures
+as a rule," she said calmly.  "What makes you think I do?"
+
+"I saw you enter her house one night."
+
+"Last night," said Mrs. Octagon coolly.  "Yes.  Maraquito, or Senora
+Gredos, or whatever she calls herself, told me you had just gone.  I
+saw her in a little room off the salon where the play went on."
+
+The detective was surprised by this ready admission, and at once became
+suspicious.  It would seem that Mrs. Octagon, expecting such a
+question, was uncommonly ready to answer it. "May I ask why you went to
+see this woman?" he demanded.
+
+An innocent woman would have resented this question, but Mrs. Octagon
+ostentatiously seized the opportunity to clear herself, and thereby
+increased Jennings' suspicions. "Certainly," she said in an open manner
+and with a rather theatrical air, "I went to beg my son's life from
+this fair siren."
+
+"What on earth do you mean?"
+
+"Basil," said Mrs. Octagon, in her deep, rich voice, "is too fond of
+this fair stranger--Spanish, is she not?"
+
+"She says she is," said the cautious Jennings.
+
+Mrs. Octagon shot a glance of suspicion at him, but at once resumed her
+engaging manner.  "The foolish boy loves her," she went on, clasping
+her hands and becoming poetical, "his heart is captured by her starry
+eyes and he would wed her for her loveliness.  But I can't have that
+sort of thing," she added, becoming prosaic, "so I went and told her I
+would denounce her gambling salon to the police if she did not
+surrender my son. She has done so, and I am happy.  Ah, Mr. Jennings,
+had you a mother's heart," she laid her hand on her own, "you would
+know to what lengths it will lead a woman!"
+
+"I am glad your son is safe," said Jennings, with apparent cordiality,
+though he wondered how much of this was true. "Maraquito is not a good
+wife for him.  Besides, she is a cripple."
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Octagon tragically, "she is a cripple."
+
+Something in the tone of her voice made Jennings look up and created a
+new suspicion in his heart.  However, he said no more, having learned
+as much as was possible from this tricky woman.  "I must go now," he
+said, "I have examined the house."
+
+Mrs. Octagon led the way upstairs.  "And have you any clue?"
+
+"None!  None!  I wish you could assist me."
+
+"I?" she exclaimed indignantly, "no, my sister and I were not friends,
+and I will have nothing to do with the matter. Good-day," and Mrs.
+Octagon sailed away, after ushering the detective out of the door.
+
+Jennings departed, wondering at this change of front.  As he passed
+through the gate a fair, stupid-looking man entered. He nodded to
+Jennings, touching his hat, and at the same time a strong perfume
+saluted the detective's nostrils.  "Thomas Barnes uses Hikui also,"
+murmured Jennings, walking away. "Humph!  Is he a member of the gang?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+A DANGEROUS ADMISSION
+
+
+Jennings had once witnessed a drama by Victorien Sardou, entitled--in
+the English version--Diplomacy.  Therein a woman was unmasked by means
+of a scent.  It seemed to him that perfume also played a part in this
+case.  Why should Clancy, Mrs. Herne, Hale, Maraquito and Thomas use a
+special odor?  "I wonder if they meet in the dark?" thought the
+detective, "and recognize each other by the scent.  It seems very
+improbable, yet I can't see why they use it otherwise.  That women
+should use perfumes, even the same perfume, is right enough.  They love
+that sort of thing, but why should men do so, especially a man in the
+position of Thomas?  I'll follow up this clue, if clue it is!"
+
+The conversation with Juliet convinced Jennings that she knew of
+something connected with the matter, but was determined to hold her
+tongue.  The fact that this knife was in her possession showed that she
+was aware of some fact likely to lead to the detection of the assassin.
+She might have found it when she came after the death to Rose Cottage,
+but in that case, had she nothing to conceal, she would have shown it
+to the police.  Instead of this, she hid it in the attic. Jennings
+congratulated himself on his dexterity in securing this piece of
+evidence.  There was no doubt in his mind that this was the very knife
+with which Miss Loach had been stabbed.
+
+"And by a man," thought Jennings.  "No woman would have such a weapon
+in her possession; and if she bought one to accomplish a crime, she
+would purchase a stiletto or a pistol.  It would take a considerable
+exercise of muscle to drive this heavy knife home."
+
+Jennings considered that the only person who could make Juliet speak
+was Cuthbert.  It was true that she already had declined to make a
+confidant of him, but now, when there was a chance of his being
+arrested--as Jennings had hinted--she might be inclined to confess all,
+especially if it was Cuthbert she was shielding.  But the detective
+fancied her brother might be the culprit.  On the night of the murder,
+both had left the Marlow Theatre, which was near Rexton, and Juliet
+declined to say where they went.  It might be that both had been on the
+spot about the time of the commission of the crime.  Again, unless Miss
+Loach had admitted her assailant, he must have had a latch-key to let
+himself in.  From the fact that the poor woman had been found with the
+cards on her lap in the same position in which Susan had left her,
+Jennings was inclined to think that the assassin had struck the blow at
+once, and then had left the house at the half hour.  But how had he
+entered? There did not appear to be any secret entrance, and no one
+could enter by the windows; nor by the door either without a latch-key.
+The further Jennings examined into the matter, the more he was puzzled.
+Never had he undertaken so difficult a case.  But the very difficulty
+made him the more resolute to unravel the mystery.
+
+For two or three days he went about, asking for information concerning
+the coining, and reading up details in old newspapers about the
+exploits of the Saul family.  Also, he went occasionally to the salon
+of Senora Gredos.  There he constantly met Hale and Clancy.  Also Basil
+came at times. That young man now adopted a somewhat insolent demeanor
+towards the pair, which showed that he was now out of their clutches
+and no longer had cause to fear them.  Jennings felt sure that Basil
+could explain much, and he half determined to get a warrant out for his
+arrest in the hope that fear might make him confess.  But,
+unfortunately, he had not sufficient information to procure such a
+thing, and was obliged to content himself with keeping a watch on young
+Saxon.  But the man sent to spy reported nothing suspicious about
+Basil's doings.
+
+In this perplexity of mind Jennings thought he would see Cuthbert and
+relate what he had discovered.  Also he hoped that Mallow might
+interview Juliet and learn the truth from her.  But an inquiry at
+Mallow's rooms showed that he had gone out of town for a few days with
+his uncle, and would not be back for another two.  Pending this return,
+Jennings sorted his evidence.
+
+Then he was surprised to receive a letter from Mrs. Herne, stating that
+she had returned to her place at Hampstead, and asking him to call.  "I
+understand from Mr. Clancy," wrote Mrs. Herne, "that you wish to see me
+in connection with the death of my poor friend.  I shall be at home
+to-morrow at four."  Then followed the signature, and Jennings put away
+the note with a rather disappointed feeling.  If he was right in
+suspecting Mrs. Herne, she certainly felt little fear, else she would
+have declined to see him.  After all, his supposition that the two
+women and the four men formed a gang of coiners, who worked in the
+unfinished house, might turn out to be wrong.  "But I'll see Mrs. Herne
+and have a long talk with her," said Jennings to himself.  "And then
+I'll show the knife to Cuthbert Mallow.  Also I may examine the
+unfinished house.  If coiners have been there, or are there, I'll soon
+find out.  Mallow hunting for ghosts, probably, made only a cursory
+examination.  And I'll take Drudge to Hampstead with me."
+
+Drudge was a detective who adored Jennings and thought him the very
+greatest man in England.  He was usually employed in watching those
+whom his superior suspected, and Jennings could always rely on his
+orders being honestly executed.  In this instance Drudge was to wait
+some distance from the house of Mrs. Herne until Jennings came out
+again.  Then on the conversation which had taken place would depend
+further orders.  The man was silent and lean, with a pair of sad eyes.
+He followed Jennings like a dog and never spoke unless he was required
+to answer a question.
+
+Mrs. Herne did not possess a house of her own, which struck the
+detective as strange, considering she appeared to be a wealthy woman.
+She always wore costly dresses and much jewellery, yet she was content
+with two rooms, one to sit in and the other to sleep in.  Certainly the
+sitting-room (which was all Jennings saw) was well furnished, and she
+apparently thoroughly appreciated the luxuries of life.  There was a
+bow-window which commanded a fine prospect of the Heath, and here Mrs.
+Herne was seated.  The blinds were half-way down, so that the brilliant
+sunlight could not penetrate into the somewhat dusky room.  When the
+detective entered Mrs. Herne excused the semi-darkness.  "But my eyes
+are somewhat weak," she said, motioning him to a seat.  "However, if
+you wish for more light--" she laid her hand on the blind-cord.
+
+"Not on my account," said Jennings, who did not wish to appear unduly
+suspicious.  "I am quite satisfied."
+
+"Very well, then," replied Mrs. Herne, resuming her seat and crossing
+her delicate hands on her lap.  "We can talk.  I am at your orders."
+
+She was arrayed in a blue silk dress of a somewhat vivid hue, but
+softened with black lace.  She had a brooch of diamonds at her throat,
+a diamond necklace round it, bracelets set with the same gems and many
+costly rings.  Such a mass of jewelry looked rather out of place in the
+daylight, but the twilight of the room made the glitter less
+pronounced.  Jennings thought that Mrs. Herne must have Jewish blood in
+her veins, seeing she was so fond of gems.  Certainly she was very like
+Maraquito, even to having eyebrows almost meeting over her thin high
+nose.  But these, as was her hair, were gray, and her skin lacked the
+rich coloring of the younger woman. Jennings rapidly took in the
+resemblance, and commenced the conversation, more convinced than ever
+that there was some bond of blood between Mrs. Herne and Senora Gredos.
+This belief helped him not a little.
+
+"I daresay Mr. Clancy told you why I wished to see you?"
+
+Mrs. Herne nodded in a stately way.  "Yes.  You wish to know if I was
+in the bedroom of my friend on that evening.  Well, I was.  I went in
+for a few minutes to take off my cloak and hat, and then I went in
+again to resume them."
+
+"Did you see anyone in the room?"
+
+"No.  Had there been anyone I should certainly have seen the person.
+But there is no place where anyone could hide."
+
+"Not even a cupboard?"
+
+"There was a wardrobe, for Miss Loach disliked cupboards, as she
+thought clothes did not get sufficiently aired in them.  A wardrobe,
+and of course anyone might have hid under the bed, but I did not look.
+And I don't think," added Mrs. Herne, examining her rings, "that anyone
+was about.  Miss Loach was always very suspicious, and searched the
+house regularly."
+
+"Did she, then, anticipate anyone hiding--a burglar, for instance?"
+
+"Yes, I think she did.  Her nature was warped from certain events which
+happened in her early life, and she suspected everyone."
+
+"Was she on bad terms with anyone?"
+
+"No.  She never quarrelled.  I am the quarrelsome person," said the
+lady, smiling.  "I quarrelled with Mr. Clancy, who is a rude man.  But
+we have made it up since, as he has apologized.  It was Mr. Clancy who
+told me of your wish to see me.  Do you want to ask anything else?"
+
+"If you do not mind."
+
+"On the contrary, I am anxious to afford you all the information in my
+power.  Nothing would give me more satisfaction than to see the
+murderer of my dear friend brought to justice."
+
+She spoke with great feeling, and there was an unmistakable ring of
+truth about her speech.  Jennings began to think he must be wrong in
+suspecting her to have anything to do with the death.  All the same, he
+was on his guard.  It would not do to let Mrs. Herne, clever as she
+was, pull wool over his eyes.  "Have you any idea who killed Miss
+Loach?" he asked.
+
+"No.  She was quite well on that evening, and did not anticipate death
+in any way--least of all in a violent form. Mr. Hale, Mr. Clancy and
+myself would have been with her till nearly midnight had I not
+quarrelled with Mr. Clancy.  As it was, Mr. Hale escorted me home about
+half-past nine, and I understand Mr. Clancy left about ten.  When Miss
+Loach was not playing whist or bridge she never cared about having
+anyone in her house.  She was rather a misanthrope."
+
+"Did she expect anyone that evening?"
+
+"No.  At all events, she said nothing about expecting anyone."
+
+"Did she expect her nephew?"
+
+"Mr. Basil Saxon?" said Mrs. Herne, looking surprised.  "Not that I am
+aware of.  She did not mention his name.  To be sure, they were on bad
+terms, and she had forbidden him the house.  No, I do not think she
+expected him."
+
+"Do you know the cause of the quarrel?"
+
+"It had something to do with money.  I believe Miss Loach helped Mr.
+Saxon, who was rather extravagant, but she grew weary of his demands
+and refused to help him further.  He lost his temper and said things
+which forced her to order him out of the house."
+
+"Did he utter any threats?"
+
+"Miss Loach never said that he did.  Mr. Jennings," remarked the old
+lady, bending her brows, "is it possible you suspect that young man?"
+
+"No.  I suspect no one at present.  But I am bound to make inquiries in
+every direction, and of course, if Mr. Saxon is of a passionate temper,
+he might wish to avenge himself for being forbidden the house."
+
+"He has a temper," said Mrs. Herne, thoughtfully, "but I never saw it
+exhibited, though I met him once at Miss Loach's.  She said he had a
+lot of bad blood in him, but that may have been because she hated her
+sister, Isabella Octagon."
+
+"Did she hate her?"
+
+"Yes.  And I think she had cause.  Mrs. Octagon behaved very badly in
+connection with some romantic episode of the past."
+
+"I fancy I know about that," said Jennings quickly, then added, "You
+are fond of perfumes?"
+
+"What a strange question," laughed Mrs. Herne.  "Yes, I am. Do you like
+this scent.  It is called Hikui, and was given to me by a dear friend
+who received it from a Japanese attache."
+
+"From a friend or relative?"
+
+Mrs. Herne frowned.  "What do you mean by that?"
+
+Jennings shrugged his shoulders.  "Oh, nothing.  Only you are very like
+a lady called Senora Gredos."
+
+"Maraquito," said Mrs. Herne unexpectedly.  "Of course I am. Her father
+was my brother."
+
+"You are then her aunt?"
+
+"Naturally.  But the fact is, I do not proclaim the relationship, as I
+do not approve of Maraquito's gambling.  Of course the poor thing is
+confined to her couch and must have something to amuse her.  All the
+same, gambling on a large scale is against my principles.  But, if
+asked, I do not disown the relationship.  Now you understand why I am
+like Maraquito."
+
+"I understand," hesitated Jennings, "you belong to a Spanish family?"
+
+"Spanish Jews.  I am a Jewess, so is Maraquito."
+
+"Do you speak Spanish?"
+
+"Yes.  Do you wish to speak it with me?"
+
+"Unfortunately I do not know the language," said Jennings, profoundly
+regretting the fact.  "And your niece?"
+
+"She does not speak it.  She was brought up in England."
+
+"In that case she should ask you if her name is masculine or feminine,
+Mrs. Herne?"
+
+The old lady started.  "I should like to know what you mean?"
+
+"Senora Gredos' Christian name should be Maraquita, not Maraquito!"
+
+"Really.  I never gave the matter a thought.  I will tell her about it
+if you like.  I said she did not speak Spanish!  She has led a strange
+life.  At one time she wished to dance and took the name of Celestine
+Durand.  She was taught by a professor of dancing called Le Beau, who
+lives in Pimlico, but while learning she slipped in the street and
+became the wreck you see her."
+
+Certainly Mrs. Herne was very frank, and spoke the truth, as all this
+bore out the statements of Le Beau and Lord Caranby. "Her maiden name
+was Saul, I believe," said Jennings, thinking Mrs. Herne would deny
+this promptly.
+
+To his astonishment she did nothing of the sort.  "My maiden name is
+Saul," she said gravely.  "But as Maraquito is the daughter of my
+unfortunate brother, her true name is the same--not her maiden name,
+you understand.  I do not know how you learned this, but--"
+
+"Lord Caranby paid a visit to Maraquito's salon and recognized that she
+was a Saul from her likeness to Emilia, with whom--"
+
+"With whom he was in love," finished Mrs. Herne, crossing her hands;
+"that painful story is well known to me.  Emilia was my sister."
+
+"Lord Caranby never told me she had one," said Jennings.
+
+"Lord Caranby does not know the history of our family."
+
+"Save what appeared in the papers," put in the detective.
+
+Mrs. Herne flushed through her sallow skin.  "It is not well bred of
+you to refer to the misfortunes of my family," she said; "my mother and
+brother were unlucky.  They were innocent of this charge of coining,
+brought against them by an enemy."
+
+"The evidence was very plain, Mrs. Herne."
+
+"Ah!" she flashed out, "you have been looking up the case. Why?"
+
+"From what Lord Caranby said--"
+
+"He has no right to say anything," cried Mrs. Herne, rising and
+speaking vehemently; "he loved my sister, and she lost her life at that
+dreadful house.  I was abroad at the time, and had only just married.
+My husband was a jeweller.  We cut ourselves off from the family when
+the misfortune came.  Only of late years did I recognize Maraquito when
+she came to me for assistance.  Her father died and she had no money.
+I helped her to pay for her dancing--"
+
+"Oh," said Jennings, recalling the false money, "you paid."
+
+"Have you anything to say on that point?" she asked haughtily.
+
+"No!  No!  I merely congratulate you on your generosity."
+
+"I could not allow my own niece to starve.  I helped her, and then she
+met with the accident.  After that--"
+
+"You assisted her to start this gambling-house."
+
+"By no means.  Mr. Hale found the money for that.  He is in love with
+Maraquito.  But you can understand why I do not proclaim my
+relationship with her.  The past of our family is too painful.  I
+became acquainted with Miss Loach through Mrs. Octagon--she was then
+the wife of Mr. Saxon--when I went to inquire into my sister's death.
+I liked Miss Loach and frequently went to see her.  Now that she is
+dead I shall leave England.  I have arranged to do so next week, and
+you will not see me here again.  That is why I gave you this chance of
+making inquiries."
+
+"I am much obliged," said Jennings quite believing her story, since she
+told it so earnestly: "but does Maraquito love Hale?"
+
+"No.  She loves Mr. Mallow, Lord Caranby's nephew."
+
+"She has a rival in Miss Saxon," said the detective.
+
+Mrs. Herne turned red.  "My niece fears no rival," she said haughtily.
+"Miss Saxon shall never be the wife of Mr. Mallow."
+
+Jennings shrugged his shoulders.  "I do not see how she can stop the
+affair."
+
+"Oh yes, she can.  The mother is on her side."
+
+"Ah!  I thought there was some work of that kind."
+
+"Hear me!" cried Mrs. Herne, imposing silence with a gesture. "Basil
+Saxon is in love with Maraquito and she can twist the poor fool round
+her finger.  She agrees to send him away if Mrs. Octagon stops this
+most absurd marriage."
+
+"Which she has done."
+
+"And which she will continue to do," said Mrs. Herne decisively; "the
+mother does not wish Basil to marry my niece, though she is quite as
+good as they if not better."
+
+"Well," drawled Jennings, rising, "I now know why Mrs. Octagon has
+acted in this way.  There's no more to be said."
+
+"Are there any further questions you wish to ask me?  Remember I go
+abroad forever next week.  You will never see me again."
+
+"I think I have asked you everything.  By the why," Jennings balanced
+his hat between two forefingers, "I suppose your niece's complaint is
+incurable?"
+
+"She thought so until lately.  But she has consulted a specialist, who
+tells her she will walk again in a few months."
+
+"Then I suppose since she has made money through Hale's gambling-house
+she will marry him out of gratitude."
+
+"She will marry Mallow," said Mrs. Herne, closing her mouth firmly.
+
+"Lord Caranby may object."
+
+"His objections will be overcome," she replied, with a crafty smile.
+
+"In what way?  I am not curious, but--"
+
+"I have my own opinion of that, Mr. Jennings."
+
+"Well, I should like to know how the obstinate objections of a firm old
+man like Caranby are to be overcome."
+
+"Ah, now you wish to know too much," said Mrs. Herne, laughing and
+moving towards the center of the room.  "I refuse to tell you that.
+But if you are friendly with Miss Saxon, tell her to give up Mr.
+Mallow.  Otherwise--"
+
+"Otherwise," echoed Jennings, curious to know why she paused.
+
+"She will lose what is dearest to her."
+
+"Humph!  I wonder what that can be.  Had you not better threaten Miss
+Saxon personally, Mrs. Herne?"
+
+"I have no need to, Maraquito will do that.  With my niece as an enemy,
+Miss Saxon has no chance of gaining the prize she desires."
+
+"But you reckon without the feelings of Mr. Mallow.  He loves--"
+
+"He does not--he does not!" cried Mrs. Herne, pressing one hand to her
+heart and speaking fiercely; "he loves Maraquito. And is she not worthy
+to be loved?  Is she--go--go."  Mrs. Herne waved her hand.  "I have
+told you everything you asked, and more.  Should you require further
+information about Maraquito's love, I refer you to herself."
+
+"Oh, I am not interested enough in the matter to ask her," said the
+detective, and bowing to the lady who had sunk on the sofa, took his
+departure.  A strange idea occurred to him, suggested by the agitation
+of Mrs. Herne.
+
+When he met Drudge, who was partaking of a glass of gin, he gave him
+instructions to watch the Hampstead house and follow Mrs. Herne when
+she came out.  Then having posted his spy--for Drudge was nothing
+else--Jennings hurried back to town. That same evening he sent a wire
+to Cuthbert to the address given by the servant, asking him to come up
+to town next morning.
+
+At eleven Jennings presented himself and found Cuthbert waiting for
+him, rather surprised and agitated.  "Why did you wire me in so
+peremptory a manner?" asked Mallow; "have you discovered anything?"
+
+"Yes!  I am sorry to break your holiday.  By the way, you have been at
+Brighton.  Did you stop at the Metropolitan?"
+
+"Yes.  I and Uncle Caranby have been there for a few days."
+
+"Did you see Mrs. Herne there?"
+
+"No.  Why do you ask?"
+
+"For a reason I'll tell you later."  Jennings glanced round the room
+and his eyes became fixed on a trophy of arms.  "You are fond of these
+sort of things?" he demanded.
+
+"Yes, in a way.  Yonder are war-spears, revolvers, swords, and--"
+
+"I see--I see.  Here is an empty space.  What was here?"
+
+"By Jove, I never noticed that before.  I forget!"
+
+"Perhaps this will supply the gap," said Jennings, and held out the
+knife.  "Do you recognize this?"
+
+"Certainly.  There are three notches in the handle.  It is my knife.
+Did you take it off the wall?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+JULIET'S STORY
+
+
+Instead of answering, Jennings looked at Mallow.  "It was the merest
+chance I glanced at the wall and saw that one of the arms which form
+that trophy was missing.  It was also a chance that I suggested the
+blank space might be filled up with this knife.  Are you sure it is
+your property?"
+
+Mallow with a puzzled expression took the weapon in his hand and
+examined it closely.  "It is mine," he admitted, "on the butts of my
+revolvers you will find I carve these notches.  I also did so on this
+bowie, which I bought in New York when I went on my last big-game shoot
+to the Rockies.  I marked my things in this way so that the other
+fellows should not use them by mistake.  I brought back this knife, and
+although it is not a pretty ornament, I fixed it up on the wall yonder.
+I used it to cut up game.  But if you did not take it off the wall--and
+I confess I never missed it until you drew my attention to the fact
+that it was missing--where did you get it?"
+
+Jennings scarcely knew what to say.  Cuthbert talked of the matter in
+so easy a manner that it was impossible to think he had killed Miss
+Loach.  Also he was not the sort of man to murder an inoffensive old
+woman, the more especially as he--on the face of it--had no motive to
+commit so brutal an act, or to jeopardize his neck.  Struck by his
+friend's silence, Mallow looked up suddenly.  Whether he read the truth
+in Jennings' eyes or the recollection of Jennings' profession brought
+the Crooked Lane crime into his mind, it is impossible to say.  But he
+suddenly grew pale and dropped the knife with a look of abhorrence.
+
+"Yes," said Jennings, in reply to his mute inquiry, "that is the knife
+that was used to stab Miss Loach."
+
+"This knife?" said Mallow, with a gasp, "but how the dickens," he used
+a stronger word, "did my knife come to be used in that way?"
+
+"I should like you to explain that," said the detective icily.
+
+"Good heavens, Jennings, you don't think--"
+
+"What am I to think," said Jennings coldly, "I swear I never suspected
+you, Mallow.  To own the truth, I don't suspect you now, but for your
+own sake--for your own safety, explain how that knife came to be in
+Miss Loach's house."
+
+"I can't say," cried Cuthbert, vehemently, "really I can't.  I swear I
+never missed it until you drew my attention to the blank left in the
+trophy of arms yonder."  He flung himself into a seat, and passed his
+hand through his hair with a bewildered air.  "Surely, Jennings, you do
+not think me guilty of killing that poor wretch?"
+
+Jennings stretched out his hand, which Mallow grasped.  "There is my
+answer," said the detective, "of course I don't suspect you.  The mere
+fact that you own the knife is yours shows me that you are innocent.
+But the fact that this particular weapon was used reveals to me the
+strange behavior of Miss Saxon--her motive, I mean."
+
+Cuthbert jumped up.  "What has Juliet to do with this?" he asked.
+
+"I went to see her," explained Jennings rapidly, "and was shown up to
+the attic of Rose Cottage by Mrs. Pill.  Miss Saxon was standing on a
+chair with her hand on the cornice.  I managed to place my hand in the
+same place--it matters not how--and there I found that."
+
+"This knife?" Cuthbert, still bewildered, took up the formidable
+weapon.  "But how did she become possessed of it?"
+
+"You must ask her that."
+
+"I?  Why did you not ask her yourself?"
+
+"She would have lied to me--for your sake."
+
+"For my sake?  Do you mean to say she thinks I am guilty?"
+
+"Yes, I do," said Jennings decisively.
+
+"It's an infernal lie!  I don't believe Juliet would think me such a
+blackguard unless she did not love me--and she does love me."
+
+"Of course," interposed Jennings swiftly, "so much so that she has
+concealed this knife so as to--as she thinks--save you.  Now, can you
+not see why she asked you to proceed no further in the case for
+your--own sake.  I thought she was shielding her brother.  It is you
+she believes guilty--"
+
+"And therefore will not marry me?"
+
+"No.  I don't think for one moment she cares about that.  When a woman
+loves a man she will stick to him through thick and thin.  If he is a
+regular Cain, she will marry him.  Bless the whole sex, they are the
+staunchest of friends when they love. No, Mallow, in some way Mrs.
+Octagon has learned that you have killed her--"
+
+"But I never did--I never did.  I told you everything."
+
+"What you told me may have been told to Mrs. Octagon with additions.
+She thinks you guilty, and therefore has threatened to denounce you
+unless Juliet gives you up.  She has done so, therefore Mrs. Octagon
+holds her bitter tongue."
+
+"But her reason for wishing to break off the marriage."
+
+"We discussed that before.  In the first place, you are Caranby's
+nephew and she hates him.  In the second, she and Basil want the
+fingering of the six thousand a year left by Miss Loach.  Should you
+marry Miss Saxon, they know well you will look after her interests,
+therefore they don't wish the match to take place.  I am not quite sure
+if this is Basil's plan, or if he knows so much, but I am quite certain
+that the scheme is of Mrs. Octagon's concoction.  But now you can see
+why Miss Saxon behaved so strangely."
+
+"She has no right to take up such a position," cried Cuthbert, with a
+fierce look.  "She should have been plain with me and have accused me
+to my face."
+
+"Do you think a woman cares to accuse the man she loves? Besides, Mrs.
+Octagon may have forced her to keep silence, so as to make the matter
+more difficult for you.  The only way in which you can clear up matters
+is to see Miss Saxon and insist on an explanation."
+
+"And if she won't give it?"
+
+"I think she will this time," said Jennings with a grim smile. "By now
+she must have discovered her loss, and she knows well enough that the
+knife is in my possession.  Already she knows that I threatened to
+arrest you--"
+
+"But you would never do that."
+
+"I would if it meant the clearing of your character.  I tell you,
+Mallow, you are in danger.  There is a conspiracy against you, and the
+using of your knife to kill that old woman proves it.  To prepare the
+ground for an accusation, someone stole it.  You must fight, man, or
+your enemies may bring about your arrest, in spite of all I can do."
+
+Mallow dropped into his seat, flushed and angry.
+
+"I have no enemies," he muttered, trying to collect his wits.
+
+"Yes, you have, and of the worst kind.  Two women are against you."
+
+"Two women?  Mrs. Octagon, I know, hates me as Caranby's nephew and
+because she wants to handle this money.  But the other?"
+
+"Maraquito Gredos."
+
+"Bosh!  She loves me.  I am sure she has worried me enough."
+
+"Of course she loves," said Jennings satirically.  "She loves you so
+deeply that she would see you on the scaffold rather than let you marry
+Miss Saxon.  That is why Mrs. Octagon went the other night to see her.
+Mrs. Herne gave a different version, but--"
+
+"How do you know Mrs. Octagon went to see Maraquito?"
+
+"Your uncle saw her.  Sit down, Mallow." Jennings gently pushed back
+the astonished man into his seat.  "Listen while I tell you all I have
+discovered lately."
+
+Mallow listened in silence, and saw very truly that Maraquito would
+stick at nothing to gain her ends.  However, he made no remark.  "Now,"
+went on Jennings, "it may be that Maraquito hired someone to kill Miss
+Loach and is trying to put the blame on you so that she may entangle
+you in her net.  It will be either the gallows or marriage with you.
+Of course she could not kill the woman herself, but her aunt, Mrs.
+Herne--"
+
+"She was out of the house an hour before the blow was struck."
+
+"Quite so," rejoined Jennings dryly, "but she may have come back again.
+However, the main point is, that Maraquito in some way is working with
+Mrs. Octagon on this basis to prevent your marriage.  In this way they
+have impressed Miss Saxon that you are guilty, and they have shown her
+this knife.  This evidence she retained in order to save you and at the
+price of her marriage."
+
+"It might be so," said Mallow, dazed with this view of the case.  "I
+certainly seem to be in a hole.  If I could see Juliet--but her mother
+prevents me."
+
+"I have a plan to bring you together.  I am engaged to a girl called
+Miss Garthorne.  She is the niece of an old dancing master who taught
+Maraquito--"
+
+"Le Beau?"
+
+"The same.  Well, I learn from Peggy--that is Miss Garthorne's
+name--that she was at school for a few months with Miss Saxon.  Peggy,
+in spite of her poverty, has had a good education, thanks to Le Beau,
+who loves her like a father.  Hence, in spite of the difference in
+rank, she was brought into contact with Miss Saxon."
+
+"Yes!  Yes!  I see.  But the scheme?"
+
+"Well, Peggy must write to Miss Saxon and ask her to come and see her
+at the Pimlico Academy.  As Miss Saxon was great friends with Peggy,
+she will come.  Then you can talk to her there and learn the truth.
+Find out who gave her the knife. She will answer, especially if you
+tell her that, owing to my finding the knife, I am inclined to have you
+arrested.  You understand?"
+
+"Yes," said Cuthbert, a new fire in his eyes, and drawing himself up
+firmly.  "I'll get at the truth somehow, and Juliet will not leave that
+Academy until I learn it.  I have had more than enough of this kind of
+thing.  But how did the knife leave my rooms?"
+
+"Who has called to see you within the last month?"
+
+"Oh, dozens of people."
+
+"Has Mrs. Octagon?"
+
+"No.  She never liked me enough to pay me a visit.  But Basil--"
+
+"Ha!" cried Jennings, slapping his knee.  "I believe Basil may have
+taken it.  He is working with his mother to stop the marriage, and--"
+
+"Stop--stop!" interposed Mallow, coloring, "you are accusing Juliet's
+mother and brother of being accomplices to a crime. Basil is a fool and
+Mrs. Octagon is not a nice woman, but I don't think either would kill a
+woman in cold blood."
+
+Jennings had his own opinion about this.  Mrs. Octagon--as was proved
+by her early history--was capable of doing much, when number one was in
+question, and Basil was an irresponsible, hysterical fool.  In a moment
+of rage he might have--"But no," said Jennings, breaking off this train
+of thought.  "I can't see the truth.  Miss Saxon knows it.  You must
+ask her.  Be careful, for your life may depend upon it."
+
+"Bunkum!" said Mallow roughly, "I am not afraid."
+
+"Then you ought to be," said Jennings quickly, "you were down at Rose
+Cottage on that night and the knife is yours. Certainly you have no
+motive, but Mrs. Octagon and Maraquito will soon find one, if you don't
+fall in with their wishes. However, you know what you have to do," and
+Jennings rose to take his leave, first slipping the knife into his
+pocket.
+
+"Wait a bit," said Cuthbert, rising.  "I'll do what you say. Just drop
+me a line when the meeting is to be.  But I want to tell you--At the
+Metropolitan Hotel at Brighton I met with my bank manager."
+
+"What of that?"
+
+"He happens to be the manager of the bank where Miss Loach kept her
+money and where Juliet keeps it now."
+
+"Well," said Jennings, becoming suddenly attentive.
+
+"He didn't tell secrets," went on Mallow, "but we got talking of Basil,
+and the manager hinted that Basil had had a lucky escape."
+
+"From what?"
+
+"I can't say.  The manager--French, his name is--refused to speak more
+openly, and of course he couldn't.  But if Miss Loach had not died,
+Basil would have got into trouble.  He didn't put the matter exactly in
+these words, but I gathered as much."
+
+"Humph!" said Jennings, his eyes on the carpet, "that supplies a motive
+for Basil killing the old woman."
+
+"Nonsense, Basil would not kill anything.  He is a coward."
+
+"When a rat is in the corner it fights," said the detective
+significantly.  "Basil may have been between the devil, represented by
+Miss Loach, and the deep sea, which we may call Hale.  He may have--"
+
+"No!  No!  No!" said Mallow, "nothing will ever persuade me that Basil
+is guilty."
+
+Jennings looked doubtful.  He had his own opinion as to young Saxon's
+capability for crime.  "However, the whole case is so perplexing that I
+fear to name any particular person," said he, taking his hat.  "Now I
+shall see Miss Garthorne and get her to write to Miss Saxon."
+
+Apparently there was no difficulty about this, for in three days he
+wrote to Mallow, telling him to come to Pimlico on Friday at four
+o'clock.  Juliet was surprised when she received an invitation from an
+old schoolfellow of whom she had lost sight for years.  However, owing
+to her troubles, she felt the need of some sympathetic soul in whom she
+could safely confide, and knowing Peggy was one of those rare friends
+who could keep her own counsel, Juliet readily agreed to pay the visit.
+She arrived at the Academy shortly before three o'clock, and the two
+girls had a long talk of their old days.  Also Juliet told some of her
+difficulties--but not all--to Peggy.  "And I don't know how things will
+turn out," said Miss Saxon disconsolately, "everything seems to be
+wrong."
+
+"They will continue to be wrong unless you act wisely," said Peggy.
+
+"In what way should I act?"
+
+"Stick to Mr. Mallow.  He loves you and you love him.  I do not see why
+you should surrender your life's happiness for the sake of your family.
+Of course you have not told me all," and Peggy looked at her
+inquiringly.
+
+Juliet shuddered.  "I dare not tell you all," she said faintly.  "I
+have to think of other people."
+
+"Think of Mr. Mallow first."
+
+"I am thinking of him."
+
+"Then it is on his account you keep silence."
+
+Juliet nodded.  "I must hold my tongue.  If you could advise me--"
+
+"My dear," said clear-headed Miss Garthorne, rather impatiently, "I
+can't advise unless I know all, and you will not trust me."
+
+"I have to consider others," repeated Juliet obstinately; "if Cuthbert
+knew what I feel--"
+
+"Why don't you tell him?  See here, Juliet, you are keeping something
+back from me.  On my part, I have kept something back from you.  But I
+see it is necessary to speak plainly. Juliet, I am engaged."
+
+"Oh, I am so glad," cried Miss Saxon, embracing her friend. "Is he
+nice?"
+
+"I think so; but I am not sure if you will be of that opinion."
+
+"Do I know him?" asked Juliet, opening her eyes widely.
+
+"You do.  Not very well, perhaps, but you know him."
+
+"What is his name?"
+
+"I'll tell you that after you have seen Mr. Mallow."
+
+Miss Saxon rose with rather an offended look.  "I have no intention of
+seeing Mr. Mallow."
+
+"Supposing he was here, would you consent to an interview?"
+
+"I don't dare--I dare not!  If he asked questions!--what do you mean?"
+
+"Nothing," said Peggy briskly.  "We have joined issue, as the lawyers
+say.  I advise you to speak out and you refuse."
+
+"I don't understand all this.  Is Cuthbert here?"
+
+"Yes.  To be plain with you, Juliet, a person I know arranged that I
+should write to you and that Mr. Mallow should meet you here."
+
+Juliet looked annoyed.  "Who is interfering with my private business?"
+
+"Someone who can help you."
+
+"No one can help me," retorted Juliet.
+
+"Oh, yes, and the advice of this person is that you should tell the
+truth to Mr. Mallow."
+
+"Who is this person?"
+
+"I'll tell you that after you have seen Mr. Mallow.  He is in the room
+below."
+
+"This interfering person you refer to?"
+
+"No, Mr. Mallow.  Will you come downstairs and see him?"
+
+Juliet drew back as Peggy opened the door.  "I dare not."
+
+"In that case you will have to consent to the arrest of Mr. Mallow."
+
+Juliet shrieked.  "Cuthbert arrested!  For what?"
+
+"For the murder of Miss Loach."
+
+"It is not true--it is not true," gasped Juliet.  "Oh, Peggy, what does
+it all mean?  How do you come to know--?"
+
+"Because I'm engaged to Miles Jennings."
+
+"The detective!  The man who behaved so badly to me?"
+
+"I don't know what you call behaving badly," said Miss Garthorne in an
+offended way.  "Miles wishes to help you out of your difficulties, and
+you will not allow him.  No!  Don't ask questions.  I refuse to answer.
+Miles told me all about the case and I know everything--"
+
+"Then you know that he came the other day to Rose Cottage and--"
+
+"I know everything," said Peggy, leaving the room; "and if you are wise
+you will come with me."
+
+When Peggy disappeared, Juliet hesitated.  She really could not speak
+to Cuthbert, and resolved to steal out of the trap into which she had
+been inveigled by the treacherous Peggy. On the other hand, things were
+becoming so serious that she knew she would have to speak out sooner or
+later, especially as Cuthbert was in danger of arrest.  But even if she
+confessed all, could she save him?  "I should only make matters worse,"
+thought Juliet, descending the stairs, "he'll thank me some day for
+holding my tongue.  I'll go."
+
+So she arranged, but meantime Peggy had informed the waiting Mallow of
+Juliet's strange behavior.  Determined to make her speak, and anxious
+to arrive at some understanding, Cuthbert waited at the foot of the
+stairs.  Juliet, coming down, ran straight into his arms, and turned
+white.
+
+"You!" she gasped, retreating, "you are here after all."
+
+"Did you not hear Miss Garthorne tell you so?" asked Cuthbert.
+
+"Peggy is behaving very wickedly."
+
+"It is you who are behaving badly," said Mallow bluntly, "you know much
+about this case and you are keeping me in the dark."
+
+"It is for your own good," murmured Juliet.
+
+"You should allow me to be the best judge of that.  Come in here," and
+Cuthbert drew her towards the open door of the dancing-room, "tell me
+what you know and how it affects me."
+
+The room was large and bare and empty.  At one end there was a kind of
+dais on which was placed a few chairs.  The young man walked up to this
+and turned to beckon Juliet, for whom he placed a chair.  She still
+lingered at the door and seemed disposed to fly.
+
+"Juliet, if you go now, all is over," he said determinedly.
+
+"Cuthbert, how can you?"
+
+"Because I mean what I say.  Things can't go on like this. You think of
+your brother--of your mother.  You never give a thought to me."
+
+Juliet came up the room hurriedly.  "I am thinking of you all the time,
+Cuthbert," she said angrily, "I keep silence for your good."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"This murder--" she began.  Then her voice died away, "you know--"
+
+"I know that Miss Loach was murdered, but who did it I don't know."
+
+"Oh," Juliet dropped into a chair, "are you innocent?"
+
+"Surely you never thought me guilty?"
+
+"I--I--don't think you are, and yet--"
+
+"You are going to accuse me of having been on the spot?"
+
+Juliet could restrain herself no longer.  "I saw you myself," she burst
+out; "I was there also."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+JULIET'S STORY CONTINUED
+
+
+Cuthbert was so surprised by this admission that astonishment held him
+silent for a moment.  He never expected to hear that Juliet herself had
+been on the spot.  Seeing this, she went on quickly.  "Now you can
+understand why I held my tongue. You were at Rose Cottage on that
+night.  You have enemies who know you were there.  I have been
+threatened should I insist on our engagement being fulfilled that you
+will be arrested. Therefore I kept away and held my tongue."
+
+"But if you had told me this long ago--"
+
+"How could I?" she cried vehemently.  "Could I come and say to you, I
+believe you are a murderer?"
+
+"Did you believe that, Juliet?" he asked in a grieved tone.
+
+"Yes and no," she faltered.  "Oh, Cuthbert, you know how I love you.  I
+could not bring myself to think you were guilty--and yet the proofs are
+so strong.  You were at Rose Cottage at a quarter to eleven--"
+
+"No.  I was there at a quarter past ten."
+
+"I tell you I saw you at a quarter to eleven.  You were getting over
+the wall into the park.  Then there was the knife--your knife."
+
+"How did you know it was mine?"
+
+"By the notches.  You told me you always cut three notches on the
+handle of any weapon you possessed.  One day when mother and I came to
+afternoon tea at your place you showed me some of your weapons--the
+knife amongst them.  One knife is much like another, and I would not
+have noticed but for the notches and for the fact that I saw you on
+that night.  I hid the knife and Mr. Jennings--"
+
+"He found it," said Mallow.  "Quite so.  He told me he did. When you
+left the attic he contrived to--"
+
+"Then the closing of the door was a trick," said Juliet in an agitated
+tone.  "I might have guessed that.  He took the knife.  He has
+threatened to arrest you, so Miss Garthorne says."
+
+"She says rightly," replied Mallow, thinking it best to make use of all
+he knew, so as to force her to speak freely.  "But of course, if you
+can explain--"
+
+"Explain!" she cried wildly and sinking into a chair.  "What can I
+explain?  That I saw you climbing that wall, running away apparently
+from the scene of your crime.  That I found the knife by the body?"
+
+"What!" Cuthbert started up and looked at her.  "You saw the body?"
+
+"Yes.  I was in the house--in the room.  I found my aunt dead in her
+chair, with the cards on her lap, exactly as the parlor-maid saw her.
+Near her on the floor was the knife. There was blood on the blade.  I
+picked it up--I saw the handle was notched in three places, and then--"
+
+"Then you suspected me."
+
+"No.  Not till I saw you outside."
+
+Cuthbert took a turn up and down the dais much perplexed. "Juliet," he
+said.  "I swear to you I never killed this woman."
+
+Juliet flew to him and folded him in her arms.  "I knew it--I knew it,"
+she said, "in spite of the letter--"
+
+"What letter?"
+
+"That accusing you and threatening to tell the police about you if I
+did not break the engagement."
+
+"Who wrote it?"
+
+"I can't say, save that it must have been some enemy."
+
+"Naturally," replied Mallow cynically.  "A friend does not write in
+that way.  Have you the letter with you."
+
+"No.  It is at home.  I never thought of bringing it.  But I will show
+it to you soon.  I wish now I had spoken before."
+
+"I wish to heaven you had!"
+
+"I thought it best to be silent," said Juliet, trying to argue.  "I
+feared lest if I spoke to you, this enemy, whosoever he is, might carry
+out the threat in the letter."
+
+"Is the letter written by a man or a woman?"
+
+"I can't say.  Women write in so masculine a way nowadays.  It might be
+either.  But why were you at the cottage--"
+
+"I was not.  I went to explore the unfinished house on behalf of Lord
+Caranby.  I was ghost-hunting.  Do you remember how you asked me next
+day why I wore an overcoat and I explained that I had a cold--"
+
+"Yes.  You said you got it from sitting in a hot room."
+
+"I got it from hunting round the unfinished house at Rexton. I did not
+think it necessary to explain further."
+
+Juliet put her hand to her head.  "Oh, how I suffered on that day," she
+said.  "I was watching for you all the afternoon. When you came I
+thought you might voluntarily explain why you were at Rexton on the
+previous night.  But you did not, and I believed your silence to be a
+guilty one.  Then, when the letter arrived--"
+
+"When did it arrive?"
+
+"A week after the crime was committed."
+
+"Well," said Cuthbert, rather pained, "I can hardly blame you. But if
+you loved me--"
+
+"I do love you," she said with a passionate cry.  "Have I not proved my
+love by bearing--as I thought--your burden? Could I do more?  Would a
+woman who loves as I do accuse the man she loves of a horrible crime?
+I strove to shield you from your enemies."
+
+"I thought you were shielding Basil.  Jennings thought so also."
+
+Juliet drew back, looking paler than ever.  "What do you know of him."
+
+"Very little," said Cuthbert quickly.  "Was he at Rose Cottage on the
+night in question?"
+
+"No.  He was not there.  I did not see him."
+
+"Yet he was at the Marlow Theatre with you."
+
+"Yes.  He left the theatre before I did."
+
+"Sit down, Juliet, and tell me exactly how you came to be at Rose
+Cottage on that night and why you went."
+
+Miss Saxon seated herself and told all she knew.  "It was this way,"
+she said, with more calmness than she had hitherto shown.  "Basil and I
+went to see this new melodrama written by Mr. Arkwright--"
+
+"What?  The man Mrs. Octagon wishes you to marry?"
+
+"Yes.  He has written a play to make money.  My mother was angry, as
+she thought such a thing was not worthy of him.  He sent her a box.
+She refused to go, so Basil and I went.  But the play was so dull that
+Basil left early, saying he would come back for me."
+
+"Do you know where he went?"
+
+"No.  He did not say.  Well, the play became worse instead of better.
+I was weary to death, so I thought as the theatre was near Rexton, that
+I would go and see Aunt Selina.  Then I hoped to return to the box and
+meet Basil.  I was told the play, being a long one, would not be over
+till midnight.  I left the theatre at a quarter past ten.  It took
+fifteen minutes to drive to the cottage.  Then I entered quietly to
+give aunt a surprise."
+
+"Ah!  It was you opening the door that Thomas heard."
+
+"Yes! At half-past ten; I had a latch-key.  Aunt Selina loved me very
+much and wanted me to come and see her whenever I could.  So that I
+could come and go at pleasure without troubling the servants, she gave
+me a latch-key.  I happened to have it in my pocket.  I really wished
+to see her about this quarrel she had with Basil."
+
+"What was this quarrel about?"
+
+Juliet deliberated before replying.  "It was a small thing," she said
+at length.  "Aunt Selina was fond of Basil and often gave him money.
+Mr. Octagon doesn't allow Basil much, and mother has enough to do to
+make both ends meet.  Basil is, I fear, extravagant.  I know he
+gambles, though he never told me where he went--"
+
+"To Maraquito's," said Cuthbert.  "I have met him there."
+
+"I know," said Juliet in rather a reproachful tone.  "I wish you would
+not gamble, Cuthbert."
+
+"I have given it up now.  I only played for the excitement, but since
+our engagement I have hardly touched a card.  I shall not play for
+money again.  My visits to Maraquito's now are purely in the interests
+of this case."
+
+"Does she know anything about it?" asked Juliet, astonished.
+
+"Yes," replied Mallow, wondering if the girl knew that Mrs. Octagon had
+paid a visit to Senora Gredos.  "Mrs. Herne, who was your aunt's
+friend, is the aunt of Senora Gredos."
+
+"I never knew that.  But about this quarrel.  Basil spent more money
+than he could afford, poor boy--"
+
+"Young scamp," murmured Cuthbert.
+
+"Don't blame him.  He means well," expostulated Juliet. "Well, aunt
+gave him a lot of money, but he always wanted more.  Then she refused.
+About a week before Aunt Selina died, Basil wanted money, and she
+declined.  They had words and she ordered Basil out of the house.  It
+was to try and make it up between them that I called on that night."
+
+"Are you sure Basil did not go also?"
+
+"I don't think so," said Juliet doubtfully.  "He was on bad terms with
+Aunt Selina and knew he would not be welcomed. Besides, he had not a
+latch-key.  Well, Cuthbert, I reached Rose Cottage at half-past ten and
+let myself in.  I went downstairs quietly.  I found Aunt Selina seated
+in her chair near the fire with the cards on her lap, as though she had
+been playing 'Patience.'  I saw that she was dead."
+
+"Why did you not give the alarm?"
+
+Juliet hesitated.  "I thought it best not to," she said faintly.
+
+It seemed to Mallow that she was keeping something back. However, she
+was very frank as it was, so he thought it best not to say anything.
+"Well, you saw she was dead?"
+
+"Yes.  She had been stabbed to the heart.  There was a knife on the
+floor.  I picked it up and saw it was yours.  Then I thought--"
+
+"That I had killed her.  Thank you, Juliet."
+
+"No, no!" she protested.  "Really, I did not believe that at the time.
+I could not think why you should kill Aunt Selina. I was bewildered at
+the time and then--" here Juliet turned away her head, "I fancied
+someone else might have killed her."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Don't ask me.  I have no grounds on which to accuse anyone. Let me
+tell you what I can.  Then you may think--but that's impossible.
+Cuthbert, ask me no more questions."
+
+Mallow thought her demeanor strangely suspicious, and wondered if she
+was shielding her mother.  Mrs. Octagon, who hated Selina Loach, might
+have struck the blow, but there was absolutely no proof of this.
+Mallow decided to ask nothing, as Juliet requested.  "Tell me what you
+will, my dear," he said, "so long as you don't believe me guilty."
+
+"I don't--I don't--really I don't.  I picked up the knife and left the
+room after ten minutes.  I stole up the stairs and shut the door so
+quietly that no one heard.  You see, the first time I did not trouble
+to do that, but when I found that aunt was dead I was afraid lest the
+servants should come and find me there.  I fancied, as I had the knife
+in my hand and had entered by means of the latch-key, that I might be
+suspected.  Besides, it would have been difficult to account for my
+unexpected presence in the house at that hour."
+
+"I quite comprehend!" said Mallow grimly.  "We can't all keep our heads
+in these difficult situations.  Well?"
+
+"I came out into the garden.  I heard the policeman coming down the
+lane, and knew I could not escape unobserved that way.  Then if I took
+the path to the station I fancied he might see me in the moonlight.  I
+ran across the garden by the wall and got over the fence amongst the
+corn, where I lay concealed.  Then I saw you coming round the corner.
+You climbed the wall and went into the park.  After that I waited till
+after eleven, when the policeman entered the house, summoned by the
+servants.  I then ran round the field, sheltered from observation by
+the corn, which, as you know, was then high, and I got out at the
+further side.  I walked to Keighley, the next place to Rexton, and took
+a cab home.  I went straight to bed, and did not see Basil till the
+next morning.  He told me he had come home later, but he did not say
+where he had been, nor did I ask him."
+
+"But I am sure--unless my watch was wrong, that I climbed the wall at a
+quarter past ten," insisted Mallow.
+
+"You might have climbed it again at a quarter to eleven."
+
+"No!  I climbed it only once.  Which way did I come?"
+
+"Along the path from the station.  Then you walked beside the fence on
+the corn side, and jumping over, you climbed the wall."
+
+"Certainly I did that," murmured Mallow, remembering what he had told
+Jennings.  "Did you see my face?"
+
+"No!  But I knew you by your height and by the light overcoat you wore.
+That long, sporting overcoat which is down to your heels.  Oh,
+Cuthbert, what is the matter?"
+
+She might well ask this question, for Mallow had started and turned
+pale.  "Nothing! nothing," he said irritably.  "I certainly did wear
+such an overcoat.  I was with Caranby before I went to Rexton, and
+knowing his room would be heated like a furnace, I took every
+precaution against cold."
+
+Juliet doubted this, as she knew Mallow did not coddle himself in any
+way.  However, she had seen the overcoat too often to mistake to whom
+it belonged.  Moreover, Cuthbert did not deny that he had jumped the
+wall in the way she explained.  "Well, now you know all, what will you
+do?" she asked.
+
+"I really can't say," said Mallow, who was trying to conceal his
+agitation.  "I can't think who took the knife out of my room.  It was
+in a trophy of arms on the wall, and I never noticed that it was
+missing, till Jennings drew my attention to the loss.  Certainly Miss
+Loach was killed with that knife."
+
+"I am positive of that," said Juliet.  "There is blood on the handle.
+But you understand why I kept silence?"
+
+"Yes.  But there was really no need.  I shall call and see your mother
+and insist on her giving her consent to our marriage.  She has no
+reason to refuse.  Do you know why she objects?"
+
+"No.  She simply says she does not wish me to marry you."
+
+"Did you not tell her what you have told me?"
+
+"I did not.  What was the use?  It was because of my discovery of the
+knife and seeing you, and receiving that letter, that I refused to
+marry, and so fell in with my mother's plans."
+
+"Juliet, you are not engaged to Arkwright?"
+
+"No.  I am engaged to you and you only.  I mean I only pretended that I
+would not marry you.  My mother thought I was obeying her, but I was
+really shielding you on account of that letter."
+
+"Give me the letter, love, and I'll show it to Jennings."
+
+"No," said Miss Saxon, shrinking back; "get him to drop the case."
+
+"Why?" asked Cuthbert dryly.  "I could understand that request when you
+thought me guilty, but now that you know I am innocent, and that
+Jennings is aware I was at Rose Cottage on that night, surely there is
+no bar to his proceeding with the case."
+
+"I do not wish it," faltered Juliet.
+
+Cuthbert looked at her steadily and turned away with a sigh. "You are
+keeping something from me," he said.
+
+"And you from me," she retorted.  "Why did you start when I spoke of
+the overcoat?"
+
+"Juliet, my own," Cuthbert took her hands earnestly, "there are
+circumstances in this case which are very strange. Innocent persons may
+be sacrificed.  It is best for you and me to have nothing more to do
+with the matter.  Miss Loach is dead.  Who killed her will never be
+known.  Let us marry, dear heart, and leave the case alone."
+
+"I am quite willing.  But my mother?"
+
+"I shall persuade her to consent."
+
+"I hope so; but I fear she hates you because you are Lord Caranby's
+nephew.  She hinted as much.  I don't know the reason."
+
+"I do," said Mallow calmly, "and I think I may be able to persuade her
+to see reason.  I shall meddle no more with the case."
+
+"What about Mr. Jennings?"
+
+"I will tell him what I have told you, and what you have told me.  Then
+I will point out the futility of looking for a needle in a haystack.
+He may be inclined to let the case drop.  He ought to be weary of it by
+this time."
+
+Juliet looked wistfully at him.  "Can't we be plain with one another?"
+
+"No," said Mallow, shaking his head, "you have your suspicions and I
+mine.  Let us refrain from talking about the matter."
+
+Miss Saxon drew a breath of relief.  "I think that is best," she said,
+and her expression was reflected in the eyes of her lover.  "When will
+you come and see mother?"
+
+"Next week.  If her objection is a question of money, you can hand over
+the whole of that income you have inherited."
+
+"Aunt Selina's six thousand a year!  Why?"
+
+"Because I have enough money for us both, and when Caranby dies I shall
+be almost a millionaire.  I don't like you having this money."
+
+"But your reason?"
+
+"I have none that I can tell you.  Besides, if we can buy Mrs.
+Octagon's consent with even six thousand a year--"
+
+"I do not mind," said Juliet.  "But now that I know you are really
+innocent, and I take shame to myself for having doubted you, I am
+willing to marry you, even though my mother withholds her consent."
+
+"My darling!" Cuthbert folded the girl in his arms and kissed her.  "I
+now know that you truly love me.  Indeed, I never doubted you."
+
+"But I doubted myself," said Juliet tearfully.  "I should never have
+suspected you, even though the evidence was so strong."
+
+"You lost your head for the moment," said her lover, "but don't let us
+talk any more about the matter.  I shall pacify Jennings and get him to
+drop the case.  Then we will marry and take a tour round the world so
+as to forget these unpleasant matters."
+
+"Yes, that is best," said Juliet, and the two walked towards the door.
+
+They should have been completely happy now that all misunderstandings
+were cleared up, but each wore a gloomy expression.  Apparently the
+shadow of Miss Loach's death still clouded the sunshine of their lives.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS
+
+
+Jennings was at breakfast in his rooms, considering what he should do
+next in connection with the case.  As yet he had not heard from
+Cuthbert with regard to the interview with Juliet. The detective waited
+upstairs in Le Beau's sitting-room for the conclusion of the meeting,
+but when Mallow never appeared he went down.  Then he learned from
+Peggy, who was in the office, that the lovers had been gone for some
+time "I thought you knew," said Miss Garthorne.
+
+"No," replied Jennings, "I did not know," and then, since he had no
+further reason to remain, he took his departure also, wondering why
+Mallow had not come to report the matter.
+
+That same evening he sought out Mallow, but was unable to find him at
+his accustomed haunts.  More perplexed than ever, Jennings, leaving a
+note at Mallow's rooms, had returned to his own.  He could make no new
+move until he heard from Mallow, and the young man did not appear
+inclined to give any assistance.  Next morning, while at breakfast, he
+expected his friend, but still there was no appearance of the visitor.
+A ring came to the door and Jennings thought that this was Cuthbert at
+last.  He was distinctly disappointed when Drudge made his appearance.
+
+"Well," said Jennings sharply, "what is it?"
+
+"I followed the lady you saw, sir."
+
+"Mrs. Herne?  Yes."
+
+"She left her house in Hampstead and walked down the hill. There she
+took a cab.  I followed in another.  Her cab stopped at the house of
+Maraquito in Soho.  Since then I have been watching the house, but I
+have not seen Mrs. Herne again."
+
+"She is Senora Gredos' aunt," explained Jennings, "so I expect she is
+stopping with her."
+
+"No, sir, she isn't.  I made friends with a boy called Gibber--"
+
+"Yes.  He is a page in the house.  Well?"
+
+"I gave him a drink or two," said Drudge, "and a few stamps, as he is a
+collector.  He become friendly with me, and I asked him about the
+house.  He was very frank, but he said nothing about the gambling."
+
+"Humph!  I expect he has been told to hold his tongue.  Well, did you
+hear anything at all?"
+
+"I heard that Gibber had never seen Mrs. Herne.  He did not even know
+her name.  Now, sir," went on Drudge, laying a finger in the palm of
+his hand, "if Mrs. Herne was stopping at the Soho house, Gibber would
+have seen her."
+
+A flash of joy passed across the countenance of Jennings, but he turned
+away from his underling so that he might not betray the satisfaction he
+felt.  "Mrs. Herne is Maraquito's aunt," he said again.
+
+"No, sir, pardon me.  Maraquito hasn't got an aunt.  Leastways the
+aunt, if there is such a person, has never set foot in the house."
+
+"Perhaps Maraquito sees her secretly."
+
+"Well," said Drudge pensively, "she certainly went in by a side door,
+Mr. Jennings.  Do you want me to watch further, sir?"
+
+"Yes.  Keep your eye on the Soho house, and should Mrs. Herne reappear,
+follow her.  Anything else?"
+
+"Yes, sir.  Mrs. Herne when walking down the hill dropped a small bag."
+
+"Ah!  Have you got it?"
+
+"No.  She was too sharp for me.  I was picking it up when she missed it
+and came to claim it.  But before she reached me I had opened it.  Only
+her handkerchief was inside.  I gave it back, and she gave me a
+shilling.  But the queer thing, sir, is the scent."
+
+"What scent?" asked Jennings, looking keenly at the man.
+
+"Oh, a strange strong scent, fit to knock you down, sir."
+
+"Well, and why shouldn't a lady use scent.  It is customary."
+
+"It is, sir.  My wife uses scent.  But this was a queer smell. And then
+a man shouldn't use scent," burst out Drudge.
+
+"Some men are effeminate enough to do so," said Jennings drily.  "But I
+don't quite understand all this."
+
+"I can tell you what puzzled me at once," said the underling, "after
+watching Maraquito's house for some time, I put another fellow on, and
+went to the office.  I had to go to see the police about some matter,
+and I spoke to Inspector Twining of the Rexton district.  He had on his
+desk a handkerchief and a few articles which had just been taken from a
+man who had been arrested for passing false coins."
+
+"Oh!" Jennings looked very interested, "go on."
+
+"This man was in one of the cells, and he is to be brought before the
+magistrate this morning.  They searched him and took his handkerchief
+from him."
+
+"It is not customary to do that?"
+
+"No, Sir.  But this man--I don't know his name--had two handkerchiefs.
+The searcher thought that was one too many," said Drudge, with the
+glimmer of a smile, "and took one."
+
+"Why do you tell me all this?" asked Jennings impatiently.
+
+"Because the handkerchief was scented with the same perfume as the
+handkerchief of Mrs. Herne I picked up.  The moment I smelt it I
+thought of her coming back for the bag.  The scent is so strange and
+strong that I thought it just as well to mention it to you.  You are
+interested in Mrs. Herne, sir, so if this man uses the same scent--"
+
+"Quite so.  You have acted very wisely.  Where was the man arrested?"
+
+"At a place near Rexton.  He was trying to get a drink and gave a
+shilling--it was false.  The inspector will show it to you, sir.  And
+another queer thing, Mr. Jennings, this man had some rags and a bottle
+of petroleum on him."
+
+"Humph!  Perhaps he intended to set fire to some place.  Have you heard
+of any fire?"
+
+"No, sir, not near Rexton."
+
+"At what time was the man arrested?"
+
+"At nine last night.  He is in jail now, and will be brought up this
+morning on a charge of passing false money."
+
+"I'll look into it, Drudge.  It is strange about the scent: but there
+may be nothing in the matter.  The man could easily buy scent of the
+kind Mrs. Herne uses.  Go back to Soho and watch the house.  Let me
+know if Mrs. Herne comes out, and where she goes."
+
+"Yes, sir," said Drudge, and bowed himself out.
+
+When the man was gone Jennings walked up and down his room in a great
+state of excitement.  He was beginning to see the end of the matter.
+That the scent should be used by a man who was passing false coins
+confirmed his idea that it was some peculiar sign whereby the members
+of the gang recognized one another.  If Mrs. Herne really was the aunt
+of Maraquito, this matter implicated her as well as the niece.  And
+Mrs. Herne had been accustomed to go to Rose Cottage, which hinted that
+Miss Loach had perhaps learned of the existence of the gang and had
+suffered for her indiscreet curiosity.
+
+"I believe Miss Loach threatened to disclose what she knew. She may
+have learned that the gang worked in that house from the fact of the
+ghosts, in which so strongminded an old lady would not believe.  I
+daresay she threatened exposure, and someone killed her.  Perhaps Mrs.
+Herne herself.  No, confound it, she was out of the house.  Well, I'll
+see this man now in jail.  I may be able to force him to tell.  And
+I'll call on Lord Caranby to-day, and get permission to search the
+unfinished house.  I am quite sure there is a factory there. I wish
+Mallow would come and tell me if he has learned anything."
+
+Again there was a ring at the door, and this time Jennings, expecting
+no one else, certainly hoped to see Cuthbert.  But, to his surprise,
+the servant showed in Lord Caranby.  The old gentleman was calm and
+composed as usual, but Jennings thought he looked ill and frail.  The
+dark circles round his eyes were more pronounced than ever, and he
+leaned heavily on his cane. He was perfectly dressed as usual, and
+seemed disposed to be friendly.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Lord Caranby," said the detective, when the old
+gentleman was accommodated with the chair, "have you had breakfast?"
+
+"Thank you, yes.  But I could not eat any," said Caranby, breathing
+heavily.  "Those stairs of yours are trying, Mr. Jennings.  I am not
+so young or so strong as I was."
+
+"You don't look the picture of health, my lord."
+
+"Can you expect a dying man to?"
+
+"Dying--oh, no, you--"
+
+"Dying," insisted Caranby, rapping his stick on the ground. "I know
+that I have not many months to live, and I sha'n't be sorry when the
+end comes.  I have had a hard time.  Cuthbert will soon be standing in
+my shoes.  I suffer from an incurable complaint, Mr. Jennings, and my
+doctor tells me I shall die soon."
+
+"I am sure Mallow will be sorry," said Jennings, wondering why Caranby,
+ordinarily the most reticent of men, should tell him all this.
+
+"Yes--yes, Cuthbert is a good fellow.  I should like to see him happy
+and settled with Miss Saxon before I die.  But Maraquito will do her
+best to hinder the match."
+
+"She may soon have enough to do to look after herself," said Jennings
+grimly.  "I shall see that she gets her deserts."
+
+"What do you suspect her of?" asked Caranby hastily.
+
+"I can't tell you yet.  I have no proofs.  But I am suspicious."
+
+"She is a bad woman," said the old man.  "I am certain of that.  And
+she will stop at nothing to marry Cuthbert.  But this is not what I
+came to see you about, Mr. Jennings.  You asked my permission to go
+over my house at Rexton?"
+
+"I did.  And I was coming to-day to get the permission confirmed."
+
+"Then I am sorry to say you cannot go over it."
+
+"Why not?" asked Jennings, wondering why Lord Caranby had changed his
+mind--a thing he rarely did.  "I only want to--"
+
+"Yes! Yes!" Caranby waved his hand impatiently, "but the fact is, the
+house has been burnt down."
+
+"Burnt down--at Rexton!" cried Jennings, jumping from his seat.
+
+"Yes.  It caught fire in some way last night, about eight o'clock.
+There was a high wind blowing, and the house has been burnt to the
+ground.  Not only that, but, as the weather has been dry, the whole of
+the trees and shrubs and undergrowth in the park have gone likewise.  I
+am informed that everything within the circle of that wall is a heap of
+ashes.  Quite a burning of Rome," chuckled Caranby.
+
+"Do you suspect the house was set on fire?"
+
+"Of course I do.  Even though the weather is hot, I don't think this
+can be a case of spontaneous combustion.  Probably some tramp--"
+
+"No," said Jennings decisively, "it is strange you should come to me
+with this news.  One of my men has lately been here, and he tells me
+that a man was arrested near Rexton last night for passing false money.
+He had on him a bottle of petroleum and some rags."
+
+"Ah!" said Caranby, quite serene, "so you think--"
+
+"There can be no doubt about it, my lord.  This man set fire to the
+house.  People don't carry bottles of petroleum about for nothing."
+
+"But why should he set fire deliberately to my house?"
+
+"At the instance of the Saul family?"
+
+Lord Caranby sat bolt upright.  "What do you mean?"
+
+"Humph!  It is rather a long story.  But this man who was caught used a
+particular kind of scent called Hikui. Maraquito uses it also, and her
+aunt, Mrs. Herne."
+
+"Mrs. Herne?  She is not Maraquito's aunt."
+
+"She told me herself that she was."
+
+"And I tell you that Emilia, who is dead, was the only aunt Maraquito
+ever had.  Why does Mrs. Herne say this?"
+
+"That is what I am trying to find out.  She said that you did not know
+the whole history of the Saul family."
+
+"I know quite enough," said Caranby gloomily, "the members were
+abominably wicked.  Maraquito's father died after he was discharged
+from jail for coining; and the mother also."
+
+"Well, my lord, this man, who apparently fired your house, was trying
+to pass false coins.  He uses the same scent as Maraquito does, leaving
+mysterious Mrs. Herne out of the question."
+
+"Well, and what do you deduce from that?"
+
+"I believe that there is a gang of coiners in existence, of which this
+man, Clancy, Hale, Maraquito and Mrs. Herne are members.  All use the
+scent Hikui, which probably is a sign amongst them.  In what way it is
+utilized I cannot say, unless they meet one another in the dark, and
+recognize their confreres by the scent."
+
+"I see.  It might be so.  But why should this man burn my house?"
+
+Jennings shrugged his shoulders.  "I can hardly say.  I think the
+coiners used that house as a factory.  But since it is burnt down, that
+seems impossible.  This man may have fired it out of revenge, on
+account of some row with the gang."
+
+"Or else," said Caranby deliberately, "knowing that you were going to
+search the house, perhaps it was fired to destroy all traces of the
+factory.  Do you connect this with Selina's death?"
+
+"I do.  I believe that she learned of the existence of the factory, and
+that she threatened to denounce Clancy, Hale and Mrs. Herne.  Then, to
+silence her, she was stabbed."
+
+"But the three you mention were out of the house before the death."
+
+"I know that, and they gave their evidence freely enough at the
+inquest.  I have not yet fitted the pieces of the puzzle into one
+another, but I am certain the lot are connected from their use of the
+perfume.  Also, as this man who has been caught was passing false
+money, and as Maraquito and probably Mrs. Herne are surviving members
+of the Saul family who practised coining, I should not be surprised to
+find that my theories are correct.  But how could anyone know that I
+intended to go over your house?"
+
+"You asked me in Maraquito's salon.  Clancy and Hale were about."
+
+"Humph!" said Jennings, "you see the various parts of the puzzle are
+fitting together excellently.  Probably one of those two overheard."
+
+"Probably.  That Hale looks a sly creature and capable of much.  I
+wonder if he is related to the Saul family.  He has the same nose."
+
+"And the same eyebrows meeting over the nose," said Jennings. "Mrs.
+Herne has a similar mark.  I am sure she is a relative of Maraquito's."
+
+"If she is her aunt, I give you leave to call me a fool," said Caranby,
+rising.  "I know that Emilia told me she had no sister.  What will you
+do next, Jennings?"
+
+"I shall see this man who fired the house and try to get at the truth.
+Then I am having Mrs. Herne watched--"
+
+"And Maraquito?"
+
+"She can't move from her couch, so there is no danger of her escaping.
+But now that the coining factory is destroyed, I shall find it
+difficult to bring home the crime to anyone.  I wish Cuthbert would
+come."
+
+"Do you expect him?"
+
+"Yes.  Listen, Lord Caranby," and Jennings related the episode of the
+knife, and how he had brought Mallow and Juliet together.  "And it
+seems to me," went on the detective, "that Cuthbert learned something
+from Miss Saxon which he does not wish to tell me."
+
+"Something to do with Mrs. Octagon."
+
+"Why with her?" demanded Jennings suddenly.
+
+"Oh, because I think Isabella capable of much.  She is a fatal woman!"
+
+"What do you mean by that phrase?"
+
+"Isabella exercised a bad influence on my life.  But for her I should
+have married Selina and should not have fallen in with Emilia Saul.  I
+should have been happy, and probably Selina would not have met with her
+tragic death."
+
+"Do you think the sister has anything to do with it?"
+
+"I can't say.  All I know is that whomsoever Isabella came into contact
+with had trouble.  I do well to call her a fatal woman."
+
+"Humph!" said Jennings, "I would rather call Maraquito a fatal woman,
+as I believe she brought about the death in some way for the double
+purpose of silencing Miss Loach regarding the factory of coins and of
+stopping the marriage of her rival with Cuthbert."
+
+Curiously enough, Cuthbert was shown into the room at this moment.  So
+interested had Caranby and Jennings been in their conversation that
+they had not heard the bell.  Mallow looked in good health, but his
+face wore a worried expression. Without preamble, and after greeting
+his uncle, he walked up to his friend.
+
+"Jennings," he said calmly, "I have seen Juliet, and she agrees with me
+that this case should not be gone on with."
+
+"Ah! does she, and on what grounds?"
+
+"Because she has consented to marry me.  She intends, at my request, to
+make over Miss Loach's money to her mother.  We have had quite enough
+dabbling in crime, and we are both sick of it."
+
+"I think you are very wise," said Caranby unexpectedly, "let the case
+be, Mr. Jennings."
+
+"What did Miss Saxon tell you?" asked the detective irrelevantly.
+
+Mallow sat down and in a calm voice detailed all that he had learned
+from Juliet.  "So you see it throws no light on the subject." Had
+Mallow mentioned the time at which Juliet asserted she saw him climb
+over the wall a new light would certainly have been thrown.  But he
+purposely omitted this, and simply said that Juliet had seen him.  "I
+told you I was there, Jennings," he added. "Quite so," said the
+detective.  "Certainly, nothing new has come out."
+
+"Well, then leave the case alone."
+
+"I fear I shall have to, now that the Rexton house has been burnt
+down," and Jennings related in his turn what had taken place.
+
+Cuthbert listened moodily.  "You see," he said, "everything is against
+us.  I only wanted the mystery cleared up so that Juliet might marry
+me, but now that she wishes to do so, without searching further, I am
+not going to do anything else."
+
+"Nor I," said Jennings sadly, "nothing is to be learned.  The case will
+remain a mystery to the end of time."
+
+Caranby rose and took Cuthbert's arm.  "You young men are
+faint-hearted," he said, with a shrug.
+
+"If you want my opinion, Mrs. Octagon killed her sister.  A fatal
+woman, I tell you both--a fatal woman."
+
+"And a clever one," said Jennings gloomily, "she has baffled me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+SUSAN'S DISCOVERY
+
+
+Although Jennings appeared to acquiesce in Mallow's suggestion that the
+case should be abandoned, he had not the slightest intention of leaving
+the matter alone.  His professional pride was irritated by the
+difficulties, and he swore that he would in some way learn the truth.
+Moreover, the matter did not only deal with the death of Miss Loach,
+but with the discovery of a coining gang.  From various obvious facts
+connected with the Crooked Lane crime, Jennings made sure that such a
+gang was in existence, and that the factory had been in the unfinished
+house.  Now that the house was burnt down, it would seem that the
+coiners had lost their city of refuge, and would probably give up their
+nefarious trade.  As the gang--judging from the number of false coins
+circulated during the past five years--had been in existence for a long
+time, it was probable that the members had made sufficient money to
+retire from so dangerous a business.
+
+"I wonder if the house was set on fire by this arrested man, out of
+revenge," thought Jennings, as he dressed to go out, "or whether the
+gang, finding things were growing dangerous since the death of Miss
+Loach, ordered him to destroy the factory?  I can hardly think that, as
+to preserve the secret, Miss Loach was assassinated.  It is not likely
+that after paying so terrible a price, such destruction would be agreed
+upon.  Certainly the factory may be removed to another place. Humph!  I
+wonder if I can trace it.  The best thing for me to do will be to go to
+Rexton and look at the ruins."
+
+So to Rexton the detective went, and found a large crowd round the wall
+of the park.  This had been broken down in several places so as to
+admit the fire engines, and Jennings found a policeman on duty who had
+been one of the first to see the fire, and who had indeed summoned the
+brigade.  On telling his name and position, the man was willing to
+state all he knew.
+
+"I was on duty about eight o'clock," he said officially. "There was a
+high wind blowing, but the night was fine and dry.  While walking down
+Crooked Lane, intending to take the path to the station, I saw a light
+behind the wall of the park.  Then a tongue of flame shot up, and it
+didn't need much cleverness to see that the old house was on fire.
+Almost before I could collect my wits, sir, the place was in a blaze.
+You see the dry weather, the heat and the high wind, made everything
+blaze finely.  I signalled for the brigade, and it came up as soon as
+possible.  But as there is no gate in the wall, we had to break it down
+to get the engines in.  There was a large crowd by this time, and we
+had all the help we needed.  By this time the whole house was flaming
+like a bonfire.  When we got the wall down the most part of the house
+was gone, and the fire had caught the surrounding shrubs, so all we
+could do was to halt on the edge of the mass and squirt water, in the
+hope of putting out the flames.  But, Lord bless you!" said the officer
+with good-humored contempt, "you might as well have tried with a
+child's squirt.  As you see, sir, everything is gone within the wall.
+Leastways, all but that big oak near the wall."
+
+It was as the man said.  House, trees, shrubs, even the grass had been
+swept away by the fierce flames.  Within the walls which had secluded
+the place from the world was a blackened space covered with debris.
+Where the house had stood was a mound of twisted iron girders, charred
+beams and broken slates.  And everywhere the wind was lifting the fine
+gray ashes and scattering them abroad, as though in sorrow for the
+destruction of the previous night.  Jennings took all this in at a
+glance.  Policemen were on guard at the various gaps in the wall, as no
+one was allowed to enter.  But the detective, by virtue of his office,
+walked across the bare expanse with the inspector, and trod under foot
+the black ashes.  There was nothing to be gained, however, by this
+inspection.  All that could be seen were the destroyed park and the
+mound where the house had been.  "What of the cellars?" asked Jennings.
+
+"Well," said Inspector Twining genially, "I suppose there are cellars,
+but there's nothing in them.  The house was shut up for years by a
+queer nobleman."
+
+"By Lord Caranby," replied the detective.  "I know.  I suppose the
+cellars are under that heap.  I must get Lord Caranby to allow me to
+clear it away."
+
+"I expect that will be done, whether or no.  Lord Caranby came down and
+told one of our men that he intended to throw down the wall and let the
+place as a building site.  So when the building begins the heap will
+soon be cleared away and the cellars laid bare.  But there's nothing
+there," said the inspector again.
+
+"I am not so sure of that."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Nothing.  I have an idea," answered the detective, who did not wish to
+tell the man how he now began to fancy that the factory for safety had
+been placed in the cellars.  "By the way, did this man who was arrested
+give his name?"
+
+"No.  He refuses to answer any questions.  He was, as you know, Mr.
+Jennings, arrested for trying to pass a bad shilling, but there is no
+doubt he fired the place.  The bottle of petroleum he had in his
+possession was empty, and--"
+
+"Yes!  I heard all that.  Where is he now?"
+
+The inspector named a place near Rexton where the man had been
+incarcerated, pending being brought before the magistrate. "I am going
+that way," said the inspector.  "If you like to come--"
+
+"I'll come," said Jennings.  "I intended to see this man. There has
+been a lot of talk about false coins being passed lately."
+
+Mr. Twining nodded, and began to tell of various cases which had taken
+place in the district.  The two took the train to the place where the
+police station to which the inspector belonged was situated.  It was
+now after twelve o'clock, and Jennings thought he would have some
+luncheon before going to the station.  But, unexpectedly, a constable
+seeing the inspector, came hurriedly towards him, saluting as he spoke.
+
+"Please, sir, you're wanted at the station," he said.  "A message was
+sent to Rexton."
+
+"I have just come from Rexton.  What is it?"
+
+"That man who was arrested for coining, sir?"
+
+"What about him?" asked the inspector, while Jennings listened with all
+his ears.  He was far from expecting to hear the reply.
+
+"He is dead, sir," said the policeman.
+
+"Dead!  What do you mean?  He was well enough this morning."
+
+"Well, sir, he's dead now--poisoned!"
+
+"Poisoned!" echoed Jennings, and thought--"Ha! here's an undesirable
+witness got out of the way."  Then he followed in the wake of the
+inspector, who on hearing the news, hurriedly walked towards the police
+station.  Here they found that the news was true.  The constable left
+in charge of the office was greatly agitated, as it seemed he had been
+lax in doing his duty.  But he made a faithful report.
+
+"It was this way, sir," he said, trying to speak calmly.  "A boy of
+fifteen, very poorly dressed--in rags almost--came crying and asking
+for the prisoner.  He said the prisoner was his father."
+
+"How did he know that, when the prisoner gave no name and was arrested
+only last night?"
+
+"The boy--Billy Tyke his name is, so I suppose the father is called
+Tyke also--says his father went out last night.  He was always a
+drunkard, and left the boy to starve.  The boy followed him later, and
+knowing he would be on the burst, went to the public-house, where the
+man was arrested for passing the bad shilling.  There, he was told that
+his father was in jail, and came here to ask us to let him see him."
+
+"You should have refused and have detained the boy.  Well?"
+
+"I was moved by the little chap's tears," said the constable, abashed,
+"so I let him go into the cell."
+
+"Were you with him?" asked the inspector sharply.
+
+"No, sir.  We left them alone for a few minutes.  As the boy was so sad
+and cut up, I thought there would be no harm in doing that.  Well, sir,
+the boy came out again in ten minutes, still crying, and said he would
+get a lawyer to defend his father.  He did not believe his father had
+passed the money. Then he went away.  Later--about half an hour later,
+we went into the cell and found the man lying groaning, with an empty
+bottle of whisky beside him.  The doctor came and said he thought the
+man had been poisoned.  The man groaned and said the young shaver had
+done for him.  Then he became unconscious and died."
+
+Jennings listened to this statement calmly.  He saw again the hand of
+the coiners.  The person who controlled the members evidently thought
+that the man would blab, and accordingly took precautionary measures to
+silence him.  Without doubt, the man had been poisoned, and the boy had
+been sent to do it. "What is the boy like?" he asked.
+
+"Billy Tyke, sir?" said the constable, replying on a nod from his
+chief, to whom he looked for instructions, "a thin boy, fair and with
+red rims round his eyes--looks half starved, sir, and has a scarred
+mouth, as though he had been cut on the upper lip with a knife."
+
+Jennings started, but suppressed his emotion under the keen eyes of the
+observant Twining.  He had an idea that he knew who the boy was, but as
+yet could not be sure.  "I'll cut along to the public-house where this
+man was arrested," said Jennings, "I suppose you'll hold an inquest."
+
+"Certainly, seeing the man has been poisoned."  Then the inspector
+proceeded to rebuke the constable who had performed his duty so ill,
+and threatened him with dismissal.  Jennings left in the midst of the
+trouble, after getting the inspector to promise that he would report
+the result of the inquest.
+
+At the public-house--it was the "White Horse," Keighley, an adjoining
+suburb--Jennings learned that the man who called himself--or rather who
+was called by his presumed son--Tyke, was not an habitue of the place.
+Therefore, the boy could not  have known that his supposed father was
+there. Apparently some information had reached the lad, whereby he was
+able to trace Tyke to the prison, and had carried to him there the
+bottle of poisoned whisky.  Jennings returned to town quite satisfied
+that he had another clue to the existence of the coiners.  Also, he
+determined to satisfy himself on a point concerning Maraquito, about
+which he had long been in doubt.
+
+For the next few days Jennings did nothing.  He kept away from Mallow,
+as he did not wish that young man to know that he was still going on
+with the case.  Sometimes he went to Maraquito's place, and learned
+incidentally that, as there was a chance of her being cured, she was
+about to give up the gambling salon.  Jennings quite expected this
+information, and assured Hale, who gave it to him, that it was the best
+thing Maraquito could do.  "Sooner or later the police will pounce down
+on this place," he said.
+
+"As you are a detective, I wonder you haven't stopped it before," said
+Hale, with an unpleasant smile.
+
+"I had my reasons," said Jennings calmly, "besides, Maraquito has
+conducted the place quite respectably.  I suppose," he added idly, "you
+will go abroad also?"
+
+"What do you mean by that?" demanded Hale in silky tones.
+
+"Mrs. Herne has gone to the Continent," said Jennings quietly, "and if
+Senora Gredos gives up this very dangerous business, she may go also.
+As you will be deprived of two of your friends, Mr. Hale, doubtless you
+will go also."
+
+"I might.  One never knows," replied Hale coolly.
+
+"By the way?" asked Jennings, looking round, "I was admitted by a
+parlor-maid this evening.  Where is Gibber?"
+
+"I believe Senora Gredos has dismissed him for dishonesty."
+
+"Ah, really," replied the detective, who had his own opinion. "So it
+seems Senora Gredos is getting rid of her household already."
+
+Hale winced under the eye of Jennings and turned away with a shrug.  He
+was apparently glad to get away.  Jennings looked after him with a
+smile.  "I'll catch the whole gang," he murmured, and took his
+departure, having learned what he wished to know--to wit, that Gibber
+had disappeared.
+
+"Without doubt he was the boy who poisoned Tyke," said Jennings, as he
+walked home with a cigar for company.  "I believe Maraquito is the head
+of the gang, and the fatal woman that Caranby talks about.  She heard
+that Tyke had been arrested, and sent the boy to poison him lest he
+should blab. I wonder if it was by her direction that the house was
+fired. Well, I'll wait.  As yet I cannot get a warrant, having nothing
+but theory to go on.  But the nets are being spread, and unless
+Maraquito and her friends clear out with Mrs. Herne, they will be
+caught.  When they are all in jail there may be some chance of learning
+who murdered that unfortunate woman in Rose Cottage."
+
+Later on, Jennings received the report of the inquest, which appeared
+also that evening in the newspapers.  It seemed that Tyke had been
+poisoned with arsenic, administered in the whisky bottle.  From his
+appearance he was a hard drinker, and doubtless the boy had no
+difficulty in inducing him to drink. Tyke had drank freely--indeed the
+doctor said he had taken enough to kill three men,--and therefore he
+had died almost immediately the boy left, and before he had time to
+speak. The inspector, who wrote to Jennings, stated that the constable
+who had admitted the boy had been dismissed the force, but the boy
+himself could not be traced.  "I shouldn't be surprised if he had taken
+refuge in the cellars of the house," said Jennings, "that is, if the
+factory is there.  I must see Caranby and get his permission to remove
+the rubbish. Only when I have searched the foundation of that house,
+will my suspicions be set at rest."
+
+Unexpected aid came to help him in this quarter, as Caranby sent a
+note, stating that the rubbish and debris of the fire would be removed
+next week, and inviting Jennings to be present.  Caranby added that
+Mallow had resumed his visits to the "Shrine of the Muses," but that
+Mrs. Octagon still continued hostile.  Basil, however, was more
+friendly.  "I daresay," commented Jennings, on reading this last
+sentence, "he has his own axe to grind over that money."
+
+It was about this time that the detective received a visit from Susan
+Grant.  She looked as neat and timid as usual, and appeared at his
+rooms one morning with a request for an interview.  "I said I would
+help Mr. Mallow if I could," she said when seated.
+
+"Oh, and have you anything likely to help him,-"
+
+"Not exactly," said Susan, "but I found some old papers of father's."
+
+"I don't quite understand," said the detective, who did not see what
+the girl's father had to do in the matter.
+
+"Well, it's this way, sir.  Father was poisoned five years ago."
+
+"Who poisoned him?"
+
+"That we never knew," explained Susan.  "Father's name was Maxwell, but
+when mother married Mr. Grant she made me take that name.  It was
+supposed that father committed suicide, and mother felt the disgrace
+dreadful.  That was why she married and changed the name.  But I don't
+believe father, when on the point of making us rich, would swallow so
+much arsenic as he did."
+
+"What's that--arsenic?" said Jennings, recalling the death of Tyke.
+
+"Yes, sir.  It was this way.  Father was working at Rexton--"
+
+"At Rexton?" said Jennings impatiently, "yes, yes, go on."
+
+"At a house near the railway station which I can point out, mother
+having seen it when she went to inquire."
+
+"Inquire about what?"
+
+"About father's secret job.  He had one he used to go to for three
+hours every day by agreement with the foreman.  Father was very clever
+and could do all sorts of things.  Mother never knew what the job was,
+but father said it would make us all rich."
+
+"Yes, go on." Jennings looked at her, nursing his chin.
+
+"The other day I came across some papers," said Susan, taking a roll
+out of her pocket.  "And it proved to be plans of father's secret job.
+And you might have knocked me down with a feather, Mr. Jennings, when I
+saw on the plans the name of Rose Cottage."
+
+The detective jumped up, greatly excited.  "Rose Cottage!" he cried,
+holding out his hands.  "The plans--the plans!"
+
+"I brought them, as I know Miss Saxon who now has Rose Cottage, is
+engaged to Mr. Mallow--"
+
+"Haven't you got over that nonsense yet?" said Jennings, who was
+looking eagerly at the plans.
+
+"Yes, I have," replied Miss Grant, confidentially.  "I am engaged to a
+rising young baker who is just a foreman just now, but we hope to save
+and start a shop.  Still, I promised to help Mr. Mallow, and I thought
+he would like to see those plans.  You see, sir, they have to do with
+Rose Cottage."
+
+"Yes, I do see," almost shouted Jennings, "and I'll bag the whole lot."
+
+"What are you talking about, sir?"
+
+"Ah, I forgot you don't know," said the detective subsiding, "I'll tell
+you later.  But you have made a discovery, Susan. This plan shows a
+secret entrance into Rose Cottage."
+
+"I know it does, sir, and I thought Miss Saxon would like to see it.  I
+don't know what Miss Loach wanted with a secret entrance, though."
+
+"I fancy I do," said Jennings, rolling up the plans.  "Your father was
+a very clever man, Susan.  Too clever for some people.  He made this
+secret entrance when the new wing of the cottage was built five years
+ago, and those who employed him gave him arsenic by way of a reward.
+Tyke died of arsenic also, so they are carrying on the same game."
+
+"Oh dear, oh dear!" wept Susan, not hearing the latter part of the
+sentence.  "So father was poisoned after all.  Who did it, sir?"
+
+"I can't tell you that," said Jennings, becoming cautious. "You had
+better say nothing about this, Susan, till I give you leave.  You have
+done Mr. Mallow a great service.  These plans may lead to a discovery
+of the murderer."
+
+"And then Miss Saxon will marry Mr. Mallow."
+
+"Yes.  Will you be sorry?"
+
+"No, Mr. Jennings.  I am quite satisfied with my baker."
+
+"Then I tell you what, Susan.  Lord Caranby has offered a reward for
+the detection of the murderer.  If these plans lead to his detection,
+you will receive a sufficient sum to set up in business."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+BASIL
+
+
+While Jennings was thus working at the case, and hoping to bring it to
+a successful issue, Cuthbert was resting in the happy belief that no
+further steps were being taken.  The detective had appeared so
+despondent when Mallow called with Caranby that the former thought with
+some show of reason that he meant what he said.  Had he known that
+Jennings was still active he would have been much disturbed.
+
+Agreeably to Cuthbert's suggestion, Juliet had offered the money of
+Miss Loach to her mother.  But Mrs. Octagon refused to be bribed--as
+she put it--into consenting to the match. In the presence of Mallow
+himself, she expressed the greatest detestation for him and for his
+uncle, and told Juliet she would never acknowledge her as a daughter if
+she married the young man.  The poor girl was thus between two
+fires--that of her love for Cuthbert, and that of her mother's hearty
+hatred for the Earl and his nephew.  Under the circumstances Cuthbert
+thought it best to remain away from the "Shrine of the Muses" for a
+time until Mrs. Octagon could be brought to see reason.  But she was so
+obstinate a woman that it was doubtful if she would ever behave in an
+agreeable manner. Cuthbert returned to his rooms in a rather low state
+of mind. He knew that Juliet, whatever happened, would remain true to
+him, and had quite hoped to bribe Mrs. Octagon into consenting by means
+of the inherited money.  But now things seemed more hopeless than ever.
+Juliet, although not very fond of her mother, was a devoted daughter
+from a sense of duty, and it would be difficult to bring her to consent
+to a match against which the elder woman so obstinately set her face.
+
+Certainly Juliet had said she would marry with or without her mother's
+consent, but now that the consent was withheld with violent words, she
+seemed inclined to wait.  However, if she did not marry Mallow, he knew
+well that she would marry no one else, least of all the objectionable
+Arkwright, Cuthbert derived some degree of comfort from this small
+fact.  He wondered if there was any chance of forcing Mrs. Octagon into
+giving her consent, but after surveying the situation could see no
+opportunity.
+
+After dinner that night, Cuthbert was thinking of going to see his
+uncle, who still stopped at the Avon Hotel. When Hale was announced.
+Mallow was surprised.  The lawyer was not a friend of his, and he had
+no liking for his company.  However, he felt a certain curiosity as to
+the reason of this unexpected visit and welcomed the man with civility.
+But he did not ask him to have any coffee though it was on the table.
+Cuthbert held to the traditions of the East regarding bread and salt,
+and he wished to leave himself free to deal with Hale as an enemy,
+should occasion arise, as it might.  Hale was far too intimate with
+Maraquito to please the young man.  And Maraquito's attentions were far
+too pressing to make Cuthbert feel comfortable in her presence.
+
+"Well, Mr. Hale," said Mallow coldly, "why have you come?"
+
+The lawyer, who was in an evening suit and dressed with taste and care,
+took a seat, although not invited to do so.  He looked cold and calm,
+but there was an excited gleam in his large eyes which showed that his
+calmness masked some emotion, the cause of which Cuthbert could not
+fathom.  "I have come to see you about young Saxon," he said.
+
+"Really," answered Mallow coolly, although surprised, "what can you
+have to say to me about him."
+
+"He is your friend--"
+
+"Pardon me.  I can hardly call him so.  We are acquaintances only."
+
+"But you are engaged to his sister," persisted Hale.
+
+Mallow threw away the cigarette he was lighting and jumped up. "I see
+no reason why Miss Saxon's name should be mentioned, Mr. Hale."
+
+"Don't you, Mr. Mallow?  I do."
+
+"Then I object to your mentioning it.  State your business and go, Mr.
+Hale.  I have no acquaintance with you."
+
+"I can't state my business unless I mention Miss Saxon's name."
+
+"Then you will please to take yourself off," said Mallow.
+
+Hale smiled coldly, though evidently annoyed.  "I think it is to your
+interest to hear me," he said deliberately, "and to the interest of the
+lady whom you hope to call your wife."
+
+"Does this business concern Miss Saxon?"
+
+"Indirectly it does.  But it rather has to do with her brother."
+
+Mallow frowned.  The conversation was taking a turn of which he did not
+approve.  However, he knew well the dangerous ground upon which he
+stood with regard to the case, and thought it best to hear what his
+unexpected visitor had to say.  "State your business," he said curtly.
+
+"Very good," replied Hale, nursing his silk hat on his knee. "I see you
+don't offer me coffee or a cigarette."
+
+"We are not friends, sir.  And let me remind you that you thrust
+yourself uninvited on me."
+
+"To do you a service," said Hale quickly.  "I think, therefore, that I
+deserve a better reception."
+
+"Will you please come to the point?" said Mallow coldly, "whatever the
+service may be, I am quite sure it is two for you if one for me.  You
+are not the man to go out of your way, Mr. Hale, to help anyone."
+
+Hale nodded and smiled grimly.  "You are quite right.  Now, then, Mr.
+Mallow, do you know that Basil Saxon was to have inherited the money of
+my late client, Miss Loach?"
+
+"No, I never knew that.  I understood that Miss Loach always intended
+to leave the money to Miss Saxon."
+
+Hale shook his well-oiled head.  "On the contrary, Mr. Saxon was her
+favorite.  In spite of his wild ways she liked him. However, she was
+also fond of Miss Saxon, and you may thank Miss Loach, Mr. Mallow, for
+having been the means of forwarding your engagement."
+
+"What do you mean by that?" asked Cuthbert angrily.
+
+"Mrs. Octagon," went on the lawyer deliberately, "would never have
+consented to Miss Saxon becoming engaged to you had not Miss Loach
+insisted that she should agree."
+
+"Seeing that Mrs. Octagon hated her sister and was not likely, to be
+influenced by her, I do not see how that can be."
+
+"Perhaps not.  Nevertheless, such is the case.  You saw how, when Miss
+Loach died, Mrs. Octagon seized the first opportunity to place
+obstacles in the way of your marriage."
+
+"I believe she did that on Maraquito's account, Mr. Hale.  I know
+perfectly well that Mrs. Octagon called on Maraquito."
+
+"Quite so--to ask Maraquito not to let Basil Saxon play beyond his
+means.  Certainly, Maraquito having a strange fancy for you, agreed, on
+condition that Mrs. Octagon refuse to let Miss Saxon marry you.  But,
+in any case, Mrs. Octagon hates your uncle too much to allow her
+daughter to become your wife. You will never get Mrs. Octagon's consent
+unless I help you."
+
+"You!" echoed Mallow, astonished and annoyed.  "What possible influence
+can you have with Mrs. Octagon.  I have certainly seen you at her
+house, but I scarcely think you know her well enough--"
+
+"Oh, yes, I do." Hale rose in his earnestness.  "See here, sir; I love
+Maraquito and I wish to marry her."
+
+"You can, so far as I am concerned,"
+
+"So you say," said Hale bitterly, "but you cannot be ignorant that
+Maraquito loves you."
+
+"I don't see what that has to do with our conversation," replied
+Mallow, growing red and restless.
+
+"It has everything to do with the matter.  I want to marry Maraquito,
+as I am rich and deeply in love with her.  She would have become my
+wife long ago but that you crossed her path.  Lord knows why she should
+love a commonplace man like you, but she does."
+
+"Isn't that rather personal?" said Mallow dryly.
+
+"I beg your pardon.  But what I wish to say is this.  If you marry Miss
+Saxon and place yourself beyond Maraquito's reach, I will be able to
+induce her to marry me.  Our interests are bound up together.  Now, to
+do this you must have Mrs. Octagon's consent.  I can get it."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"She loves Basil, her son, more than she does herself," went on Hale,
+paying no attention to the remark.  "To save him she would do much."
+
+"To save him from what?"
+
+"Basil;" continued the lawyer, still not noticing the interruption, "is
+a young fool.  He thought himself sure of Miss Loach's money--and he
+was until a week before she died. Then he came to Rose Cottage and
+insulted her--"
+
+"I have heard that.  She ordered him out of the house."
+
+"She did.  Miss Loach was a bitter, acrid old woman when the fit took
+her.  However, Basil insulted her so grossly that she made a new will
+and left all the money to Miss Saxon.  Now it happens that Basil, to
+supply himself with funds, when his aunt refused to aid his
+extravagance further, forged her name to a bill--What's the matter?"
+
+"Nothing," said Mallow, who had started from his chair, "only your
+intelligence is sufficiently unpleasant."
+
+"I can understand that," sneered the lawyer, "since you wish to marry
+his sister.  You don't want a forger for a brother-in-law."
+
+"Who does?" said Cuthbert, not telling that he was thinking of Basil in
+connection with a still darker crime.  "Go on, Mr. Hale."
+
+"The bill fell into my hands.  When Miss Saxon got the money she
+transferred the business to her own lawyer.  I had to give the bill up."
+
+"Ah!" said Mallow meaningly, "I see now the hold you had over Basil."
+
+"Yes, that was my hold.  I did not want to give up the bill. But it had
+been met, and as Miss Loach is dead, there was a difficulty in proving
+the signature to be a forgery.  I therefore gave the bill to Miss
+Saxon.  She knew of her brother's guilt--"
+
+"I see--I see," murmured Cuthbert, wondering if she had been shielding
+Basil as well as him.  "My poor girl!"
+
+"She is a brave girl," said Hale, in a voice of reluctant admiration.
+"She met me and fought for her brother.  I gave way, as I did not wish
+to make trouble.  Why, it doesn't matter.  However, you see how things
+stand.  Basil is a forger.  If his mother knew that he was in danger of
+being arrested she would consent to your marriage, and then I might
+marry Maraquito.  I have come here to tell you this."
+
+"But if Miss Saxon has the bill, and there is a difficulty of proving
+the signature, owing to Miss Loach's death, I don't see--"
+
+"Ah, not in this case.  But Basil Saxon forged my name also. I hold a
+forged check.  I met it and said nothing about it. Basil, thinking
+because his sister held the bill that he was out of my power, was most
+insolent.  But I said nothing of the check which he thought I never
+detected.  The more fool he. He must have a fine opinion of my business
+capacity.  However, as the check is only for fifty pounds, he probably
+thought that it would escape my notice.  Well, you see how I can force
+Mrs. Octagon's hand.  What do you say?"
+
+Mallow put his hands to his head quite bewildered by the information.
+
+"You must give me time to think," he said, "but if I consent--"
+
+"You marry Miss Saxon.  I ask no reward for my services.  All I want is
+to get you out of my way as regards Maraquito.  I will give you the
+forged check on the day you wed Miss Saxon. I can see," added Hale,
+rising, "that you are somewhat upset with this news, and no wonder.
+You never thought Basil was such a scoundrel."
+
+"I thought him a fool, never a knave."
+
+"My dear sir, he is a thoroughly bad man," said Hale cynically, "though
+I daresay other people are just as bad. However, I will give you a week
+to think over the matter. Good-night."
+
+"Good-night," said Mallow, touching the bell, but without meeting the
+gaze of Hale, "I will think over what you have said."
+
+"You will find it to your advantage to do so," replied Hale, and went
+out of the room at the heels of the servant.
+
+Mallow remained where he was in deep thought.  It was terrible to think
+that the brother of Juliet should be such a scamp.  A forger and
+perhaps something else.  Here, indeed, was a motive for Miss Loach to
+meet with her death at her nephew's hand. Probably on the night in
+question she threatened to let the law take its course, and then
+Basil--but at this point of his meditations a ring came at the door.
+In a few moments Cuthbert heard a step he knew and rose with an
+agitated air. Basil entered the room.
+
+The young man was carefully dressed as usual in his rather affected
+way, but his face was pale and he seemed uneasy.  "I see you have had a
+visit from Hale," he said, trying to appear at his ease.
+
+"How do you know that?" asked Mallow abruptly, and declining to see the
+proffered hand.
+
+"I saw Hale enter a cab as I came up the stairs," said Basil, drawing
+back; "and even had I not seen him I would know that he has been
+telling you a lot of lies because you refuse to shake hands."
+
+"Are they lies?"
+
+"Ah, then, he has been talking.  He is my enemy.  He comes here to do
+me harm," said Basil, his eyes flashing.
+
+"He came here as your friend," replied Mallow abruptly, "Hale wishes me
+to marry your sister.  He offers to hand over to me a certain check if
+I marry her."
+
+"I don't know what you are talking about," cried Basil petulantly, and
+threw himself into a chair, very pale.
+
+"I think you know very well.  Why have you come here?"
+
+Basil looked sullen.  "I want you to marry Juliet also.  And I came to
+say that I thought I could get my mother to take that money and to
+withdraw her opposition."
+
+"So that you may have the fingering of the money?"
+
+"Oh, I suppose she will give me some," said Basil airily, and began to
+roll a cigarette with deft fingers.
+
+Mallow was enraged at this coolness.  "Basil, you are a scoundrel!"
+
+"Am I, indeed?  Nice words to use to your future relative."
+
+"How do you know I will ever be your relative.  Suppose I refuse Hale's
+demand, and let him proceed on this check?"
+
+Basil's cigarette dropped our of his hand.  "I don't know what check
+you mean," he declared with alarm, "there was a bill--I couldn't help
+myself.  My aunt--"
+
+"Gave you a lot of money and you repaid her by forging her name.  But
+you also forged Hale's name."
+
+"Ah, I know what you mean now.  It was only for fifty pounds."
+
+"Had it been for fifty pence the crime is the same," said Mallow
+vehemently, "why did you not let me help you?  I offered to.  But you
+preferred to commit a crime."
+
+"Such a fuss to make," muttered the youth discontentedly, "the bill is
+in the possession of Juliet, and no steps can be taken on that.  If
+mother accepts this six thousand a year, she will buy the check back
+from Hale.  He's a scoundrel and will do anything for money.  Then you
+can marry Juliet, and I can go abroad for a few years on an income of
+three thousand.  Mother will allow me that."
+
+The coolness of this speech almost took Mallow's breath away. The man
+did not seem to be at all affected by his crime.  So long as he was not
+found out he appeared to think nothing about the matter.  "And I know
+you will marry Juliet," proceeded Basil, "you love her too well to give
+her up."
+
+"That is true enough," said Cuthbert, who, having already spared him
+too long, now determined to punish him, "but I may love her so well
+that I may not wish to buy her."
+
+"What do you mean by buying her?" demanded Basil sulkily.
+
+"What I say.  Is it only to save you that I am to marry Juliet?  My
+marriage must be one of love--"
+
+"She does love you.  And I don't see," added Basil complainingly, "why
+you should jump on a chap for wishing for your happiness--"
+
+"And your own safety."
+
+"Oh, bosh!  The bill is destroyed.  Juliet put it into the fire, and
+Hale will sell the check at his own price."
+
+"His price is that I am to marry Juliet."
+
+"So that he can marry Maraquito, I suppose.  I know that she loves you
+and that Hale is crazy about her.  It's very hard on me," whined the
+egotistical youth, "for I want to marry her myself, only mother put her
+spoke in my wheel."
+
+"Dare you offer yourself to Maraquito, bad as she is, knowing what you
+are?" cried Mallow, fairly disgusted.
+
+"Oh, the forgeries.  What of them?  It's nothing."  Basil snapped his
+fingers.  "Maraquito won't mind.  But I suppose I'll have to give her
+up on account of that infernal check. Such a small one as it was too.
+I wish I had made it one hundred and fifty.  I could have done so."
+
+In the face of this callous behavior it was sheer wrongdoing to spare
+the man.  "I do not allude to the forgery, though that is bad enough,"
+said Cuthbert, glancing round to see that the door was closed, "but to
+the murder of your aunt.  You killed her."
+
+Basil leaped from his chair with great indignation.  "I did not.  How
+dare you accuse me?" he panted.
+
+"Because I have proofs."
+
+"Proofs?"  Basil dropped back as though he had been shot.
+
+"Yes.  I learned from my man that you took the bowie knife which used
+to hang on the wall yonder.  He saw you take it, and thought you had
+received my permission.  You went to the Marlow Theatre with your
+sister.  You left her in the box and went out after eight o'clock.  You
+went to Rexton to Rose Cottage.  After Clancy left the house your aunt
+admitted you and you killed her--"
+
+"I swear I did not!" said Basil, perfectly white and trembling.
+
+"You did, you liar!  Juliet followed you to the cottage."
+
+"Juliet?  She did not know I had gone."
+
+"Ah! you see, you were there.  Yes, she said she went in order to try
+and make it up between your aunt and you.  But I believe now she went
+to see if you were committing a crime.  I am not aware how much Juliet
+knows of your wickedness, Basil, but--"
+
+"She knows only about the forgery.  I was not at the cottage."
+
+Mallow made a weary gesture.  "Why do you tell these falsehoods?" he
+said with scorn.  "Juliet entered the cottage by means of her
+latch-key.  She found Miss Loach dead and the knife on the floor.  You
+dropped it there.  She came out and saw a man of my height--which you
+are, and of my appearance (you are not unlike me at a distance)
+climbing the wall into the park.  He had on alight overcoat--my
+overcoat.  Juliet thought I was the man.  I did not say no.  But the
+moment she mentioned the coat I knew it was you.  You borrowed the coat
+from me, and returned it the other day.  Now then--"
+
+"Stop! stop!" cried Basil, rising with pale lips and shaking hands, "I
+admit that I went to Rexton on that night, but I swear I am innocent."
+
+"Pah!" cried Mallow, thinking this was another lie, and a weak one too.
+
+Basil seized him by the arm.  "Mallow, I swear by all that I hold most
+sacred that I did not kill Aunt Selina.  I own I took the knife.  I
+wished to frighten her into giving me money.  I left the theatre in
+order to go to Rexton.  I thought I might be spotted if I came by the
+lane.  I climbed the wall of the park on the other side after nine,
+some time after nine.  I was crossing when a man chased me.  I don't
+know who it was.  I could not see in the bushes, and the night was
+rather dark at the moment, though clear later.  I dropped the knife, it
+fell out of my pocket, and I scrambled over the wall and bolted."
+
+"Then how did Juliet see you shortly before eleven?"
+
+"I came back for the knife.  I thought it might be traced to you and
+that you might get into trouble.  Really I did," said Basil, seeing
+Mallow make a gesture of dissent.  "I came back by the railway path,
+and along by the corn.  Where Juliet could have been, I don't know.  I
+climbed the wall and crossed the park.  I could not find the knife
+where I thought I had dropped it, near the house.  I then climbed the
+opposite wall and got away home.  Next day I heard of the death and
+went down to look for the knife again.  I never thought she had been
+killed with that knife, as no weapon was found.  Juliet said nothing to
+me about the matter--"
+
+"No.  Because she thought the knife was mine, as it is, and that I was
+the man who climbed the wall.  I was on the spot. I remember telling
+you that, when we met in the street, and you were afraid.  I see now
+why you asked me if I had been in the park at night."
+
+"I thought you might have spotted me.  When were you there?"
+
+"About twenty minutes past ten."
+
+"Well, then, I was there at ten or a few minutes later.  I got away
+from the man who chased me some time before you came.  It was, as you
+say, at a quarter to eleven when I came back, and by that time I
+suppose you had gone."
+
+"I went over the opposite wall as you did," said Cuthbert, "we must
+have run each other very close."
+
+"I expect we were in different parts of the park," said Basil, "but I
+swear that I am telling you the truth.  I said nothing about this, as I
+was afraid of being arrested.  But, if you like, I'll tell that
+detective Jennings what I told you.  He will help me."
+
+"My advice to you is to hold your tongue and keep silent."
+
+"But if I am traced?" stammered Basil.
+
+"I shall say nothing," said Mallow, "and Jennings has dropped the case.
+I shall get the check from Hale, and you must go abroad.  I believe you
+are innocent."
+
+"Oh, thank you--thank you--"
+
+"But you are a scoundrel for all that.  When I get you sent abroad and
+marry your sister, neither she nor I will have anything to do with you.
+And if you come back to England, look out."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+AN EXPERIMENT
+
+
+Next day Cuthbert received a letter from Jennings.  It intimated that
+Maraquito wished to see him that evening.  "If you will call at nine
+o'clock," wrote the detective, "she will be alone.  The police have
+decided to close the gambling-house, and she is making preparations to
+leave England.  I understand she has something to tell you in
+connection with the death of Miss Loach, which it is as well you should
+hear.  A confession on her part may save you a lot of trouble in the
+future."
+
+Mallow hesitated to obey this summons.  He thought it was strange that
+Maraquito should get the detective to write to him, as he knew she
+mistrusted the man.  And, apart from this, he had no wish to see Senora
+Gredos again.  Things were now smooth between him and
+Juliet--comparatively so--and it would not do to rouse the girl's
+jealousy.  Maraquito was a dangerous woman, and if he paid her a
+solitary visit, he might fall into some snare which she was quite
+capable of laying. Such was her infatuation, that he knew she would
+stop at nothing to gain her ends.
+
+On the other hand, Maraquito, to all appearances, knew of something in
+connection with the case which it behooved him to learn if he wished
+for peace in the future.  So far as Mallow knew, the matter was at an
+end.  He believed that Jennings had shelved the affair, and that no
+further inquiries would be made.  This belief calmed his anxiety, as he
+greatly desired to save Basil Saxon from arrest.  Certainly, the young
+scamp protested his innocence, and told a plausible tale, but he was
+such a liar that Mallow could not be satisfied.  He might be innocent
+as he said, yet the facts of the visit to the cottage, the possession
+of the knife and of the overcoat which he wore when seen by Juliet,
+hinted at his guilt.  Also the forged bill and check might implicate
+him in the matter.  Did Jennings learn of these things, he would
+certainly arrest Saxon on suspicion, and, for Juliet's sake, Cuthbert
+did not wish such a thing to happen.
+
+It struck Mallow that Hale might have confided in Maraquito, with whom
+he was in love.  Being unscrupulous, she would probably use this
+information, and might threaten to denounce Basil, to the subsequent
+disgrace of Juliet, if Cuthbert refused to marry her.  Taking these
+things into consideration, Mallow decided that it would be best to pay
+the visit and learn what Maraquito had to say.
+
+It was a wild, blustering evening, rainy and damp.  When Mallow stepped
+out of the door he shivered as the keen wind whistled down the street.
+Few people were abroad, as they preferred, very sensibly, the comfort
+of a fireside to the windy, gleaming thoroughfares.  Wishing his visit
+to be as secret as possible, Mallow walked to Soho and turned into
+Golden Square shortly before the appointed hour.  He did not expect a
+pleasant interview, as Maraquito was an uncivilized sort of woman with
+little control over her very violent emotions.  Altogether, he
+anticipated a disagreeable quarter of an hour.
+
+He was admitted smilingly by a woman, and noticed with some surprise
+that Gibber the page was not at his accustomed post. But he put this
+down to the fact that there was no gambling on this particular evening.
+The windows of the great salon were dark, and Senora Gredos received
+him in a small apartment which she used as a sitting-room.  Her couch
+was drawn up close to the fire, and she appeared to be in better health
+than usual.  Standing at the door, Mallow thought she made a pretty
+picture.  She had on a white wrapper trimmed with gold lace, and as
+usual, wore a profusion of jewelry.  Across the lower part of the couch
+was flung a gorgeous purple coverlet of eastern manufacture, and what
+with the brilliant colors and the glitter of precious stones, she
+looked remarkably eastern herself.  Mallow noticed particularly how
+Jewish she was in appearance, and wondered how he could have been so
+blind as not to have remarked it before.  The room looked cheerful and
+warm, and was welcome after the chilly, dreary streets. Mallow, having
+taken off his overcoat in the hall, came forward and bowed somewhat
+formally, but Maraquito was not to be put off with so frigid a
+greeting.  Holding out both hands, she shook his warmly and pointed to
+a chair near her couch. It was now a few minutes after nine.
+
+"How good of you to come and see me," she said in her deep, rich voice.
+"The evening was so dull."
+
+"You are not having any play this evening?"
+
+Maraquito shrugged her fine shoulders and unfurled a quite unnecessary
+fan, which, to keep up her fiction of being a Spanish lady, she always
+carried.  "Some idiot told the police what was going on and I received
+a notice to close."
+
+"But the police knew long ago."
+
+"Not officially.  The police can be silent when it suits.  And I always
+kept things very quiet here.  I can't understand why any objection
+should be made.  I suspect that man Jennings told."
+
+"I thought you liked him."
+
+"Oh, I fancied he was a friend of yours and so I made the best of him.
+But, to tell you the truth, Mr. Mallow, I always mistrusted him.  He is
+much too fond of asking questions for my taste.  Then Mr. Hale told me
+that the man was a detective, so I understood his unwarrantable
+curiosity.  I shall have nothing to do with him in future."
+
+"In that case," said Mallow, anxious to arrive at the truth, "I wonder
+you employ him to write letters for you."
+
+The woman raised herself on one rounded elbow and looked surprised at
+this speech.  "Really, I don't think I am so foolish," said she dryly.
+"Why do you say that?"
+
+Mallow looked puzzled.  "Jennings wrote me a letter, asking me to come
+here this evening at nine.  He said you wished to see me."
+
+Maraquito's eyes flashed.  "I always wish to see you," she said,
+sinking her voice to a tender tone, "and I am much obliged that Mr.
+Jennings' note should have brought you here. But I gave him no
+authority to write it."
+
+"Have you seen Jennings lately?" asked Cuthbert, more and more puzzled.
+
+"A few nights ago.  But he said nothing about you.  He simply played
+cards for a time and then took himself off."
+
+"Are you leaving England?"
+
+"I am.  Being an invalid as you see, I have no amusement but
+card-playing.  Now that the Puritan authorities have stopped that, I
+cannot stay in this dull country to be bored.  But who told you?"
+
+"Jennings said you were making preparations to leave."
+
+"In this letter he wrote you?" asked Maraquito, frowning.
+
+"Yes.  I am sorry I did not bring the letter with me.  But I can show
+it to you on another occasion.  He also said you had something to tell
+me."
+
+Maraquito fastened her brilliant eyes on his face.  "Mr. Jennings seems
+to know much about my affairs and to take a deep interest in them.  But
+I assure you, I never gave him any authority to meddle."
+
+"Then why did he write and bring me here?"
+
+Senora Gredos frowned and then her face cleared.  "The man is such a
+secretive creature that I don't trust him," she said; "and yet he
+declared himself to be my friend.  He knows I like you, and hinted that
+he should be glad to bring us together."
+
+"Jennings is a gentleman in spite of his profession," said Mallow in
+cutting tones.  "I scarcely think he would take so great a liberty."
+
+"Is it a liberty?" asked Maraquito softly.
+
+"I consider it to be one.  Jennings knows that I am engaged."
+
+"Stop!" she cried, gripping her fan so tightly that her knuckles grew
+white.  "Do you dare to tell me this?"
+
+"Senora--Maraquito--don't let us have a scene.  I told you before that
+I could not give you the love you asked."
+
+"And I told you that I would have that love in spite of your
+unwillingness," said the woman doggedly.  "You have scorned me, and I
+ought to have sufficient pride to let you go your own way.  But I am
+such an infatuated fool that I am content to let you tread on me."
+
+"I have no wish to do that, but--"
+
+"You do--you do--you do!" she said, vehemently.  "Why can you not love
+me?  I would be a better wife than that doll you--"
+
+"Drop that, Maraquito.  Leave Miss Saxon's name out of the question."
+
+"I shall talk of Miss Saxon as long as I like," cried Maraquito,
+snapping the fan and growing flushed.  "You scorn me because I am an
+invalid--"
+
+"I do not.  If you were perfectly restored to health I would give you
+the same answer."  Mallow was on his feet by this time.  "I think it
+would be wise of me to go."
+
+But Senora Gredos, stretching out her hand, caught him by the coat
+convulsively.  "No! no! no!" she muttered fiercely.  "I did not ask you
+to come here.  I did not send for you.  But now that you are here, you
+will stop.  We must understand one another."
+
+"We do understand one another," said Cuthbert, who was growing angry at
+this unreasonable attitude.  "You must know that I am engaged to Miss
+Saxon!"
+
+"You will never marry her--never!" cried Maraquito passionately; "oh,
+cruel man, can you not see that I am dying of love for you."
+
+"Maraquito--"
+
+"If I were not chained to this couch," she said between her teeth, "I
+should go after her and throw vitriol in her face. I would give her
+cause to repent having lured you from me with her miserable doll's
+face.  Pah! the minx!"
+
+Cuthbert grew really angry.  "How dare you speak like this?" he said.
+"If you were able to attack Miss Saxon in the vile way you say, I
+should show you no mercy."
+
+"What would you do--what would you do?" she panted.
+
+"Put you in jail.  That sort of thing may do abroad but we don't allow
+it here.  I thought you were merely a foolish woman.  Now I know you
+are bad and wicked."
+
+"Cuthbert--Cuthbert."
+
+"My name is Mallow to you, Senora Gredos.  I'll go now and never see
+you again.  I was foolish to come here."
+
+"Wait--wait," she cried savagely, "it is just as well that you are
+here--just as well that we should come to an understanding."
+
+"There can be no understanding.  I marry Miss Saxon and--"
+
+"Never, never, never!  Listen, I can ruin her--"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Her brother--"
+
+"Oh, Basil, I know all about that."
+
+Maraquito threw herself back on her couch, evidently baffled. "What do
+you know?" she demanded sullenly.
+
+"That you are about to accuse him of the death of Miss Loach."
+
+"Yes, I do.  He killed her.  There is a forged bill in--"
+
+"I know all about that also," said Cuthbert, making a gesture for her
+to be silent.  "If you hope to stop my marriage with Miss Saxon by such
+means, you have wasted your time," he moved again towards the door.
+"It is time this interview ended," he said.
+
+"Why did you seek it then?" she flashed out.
+
+"I did not.  Jennings wrote, asking me to call and see you.  I
+understood that you had something to say to me."
+
+"I have much--though how that detestable man knew I can't think.  But I
+can disgrace that doll of a girl through her brother."
+
+"No, you cannot.  Basil is perfectly innocent of murder."
+
+"You have to prove that," she sneered, her features quivering and one
+white hand clutching the purple drapery, "and you know--so you say,
+that Basil is a forger."
+
+"He is a fool.  I don't condone his folly, but his sister shall not
+suffer on his account.  The bill to which Miss Loach's name was forged
+is in the possession of Miss Saxon--in fact I may tell you that Basil
+himself assured me it had been destroyed."
+
+"Of course he would say that," scoffed Maraquito, her eyes flashing,
+"but the check to which Hale's name is affixed is not destroyed, and
+Hale shall proceed on that."
+
+"Hale shall not do so," said Cuthbert resolutely.  He did not wish to
+betray Hale's confidence, as a confession would entail the man's loss
+of the woman he loved.  But it was necessary to stop Maraquito somehow;
+and Cuthbert attempted to do so in his next words, which conveyed a
+distinct threat.  "And you will not move in the matter."
+
+Maraquito laughed in an evil manner.  "Won't I?" she taunted. "I just
+will.  Hale will do what I want, and he will have Basil arrested unless
+you promise to give up this girl and marry me."
+
+"Hale will do nothing, neither will you," retorted Cuthbert. "I don't
+care about threatening a woman, but you must not think that you are
+able to play fast and loose with me."
+
+"How can you hurt me?" asked Maraquito with a scornful smile, although
+her lips quivered at his tone.
+
+"I can tell Jennings that you are Bathsheba Saul!"
+
+She turned quite pale.  "I?  My name is Maraquito Gredos."
+
+"It is nothing of the sort.  My uncle Lord Caranby came here and
+recognized you from your likeness to the woman Emilia he was once
+engaged to.  He can state that in court."
+
+"Where is his proof?"
+
+"Proof will be forthcoming when necessary."
+
+"Not to prove that I am Bathsheba Saul.  I know nothing of the name."
+
+Cuthbert shrugged his shoulders.  He had said what was necessary and,
+unwilling to speak further, prepared to go. Maraquito saw him slipping
+from her grasp.  Once gone, she knew he would never come back.  With a
+cry of despair she stretched out her hands.  "Cuthbert, do not leave
+me!" she cried in anguish.
+
+"I must leave you.  I was foolish to come.  But you know now, that if
+you move in this matter I can move too.  I doubt very much, madam, if
+your past life will bear looking into."
+
+"You coward!" she moaned.
+
+"I know I am a coward," said Mallow uncomfortably; "it is not my way to
+threaten a woman--I said that before.  But I love Juliet so much that
+at any cost I must protect her."
+
+"And my love counts for nothing."
+
+"I am sorry, Maraquito, but I cannot respond.  A man's heart is not his
+own to give."
+
+"Nor a woman's," she moaned bitterly; "oh, heaven, how I suffer.  Help!"
+
+Cuthbert heard footsteps ascending the stairs--the light footsteps of a
+hasty man.  But Maraquito's head had fallen back, her face was as white
+as snow and her mouth was twisted in an expression of anguish.  She
+seemed to be on the point of death, and moved by her pain--for she
+really appeared to be suffering, he sprang forward to catch her in his
+arms.  Had he not done so she would have fallen from the sofa.  But
+hardly had he seized her form when she flung her arms round his neck
+and pressed her mouth to his.  Then she threw back her head, not now
+white, but flushed with color and triumph.  "I have you now," she said
+breathlessly.  "I love you--I love you--I will not let you go!"
+
+What Cuthbert would have done it is hard to say.  Apparently Maraquito
+was determined to hold him there.  But at this moment Jennings appeared
+at the door.  On seeing him arrive so unexpectedly, Maraquito uttered a
+cry of rage and dismay, and released Mallow.  "Send him away--send him
+away!" she cried, pointing to Jennings, who looked cold and stern.
+"How dare he come here."
+
+"I come on an unpleasant errand," said Jennings, stepping forward.  "I
+want you, Mallow!"
+
+Cuthbert, who had moved forward, stopped.  "Why do you want me?"
+
+Jennings placed his hand on the young man's shoulder.  "I arrest you on
+the charge of murdering Selina Loach!"
+
+Maraquito uttered a shriek, and Cuthbert's face grew red.  The latter
+spoke first.  "Is this a jest?" he asked harshly.
+
+"You will not find it so."
+
+"Let me pass.  I refuse to allow you to arrest me."
+
+Jennings still continued to keep his hand on Cuthbert's shoulder,
+whereupon the young man flung it aside.  At the same moment Jennings
+closed with him, and a hand-to-hand struggle ensued.  Maraquito, with
+straining eyes, watched the fight.  With stiffened muscles the two
+reeled across the room.  Cuthbert was almost too amazed to fight.  That
+Jennings should accuse him and attack him in this way was incredible.
+But his blood was up and he wrestled with the detective vigorously.  He
+was an excellent athlete, but Jennings was a west-country-man and knew
+all that was to be known about wrestling.  With a quick twist of his
+foot he tripped up his opponent, and in a minute Cuthbert was lying on
+his back with Jennings over him.  The two men breathed hard.  Cuthbert
+struggled to rise, but Jennings held him down until he was suddenly
+dragged away by Maraquito, who was watching the fight eagerly.  There
+she stood in the centre of the room which she had reached with a bound.
+
+"I thought so," said Jennings, releasing Mallow and rising quickly.
+
+Maraquito threw a small knife at Cuthbert's feet.  "Kill him--kill
+him!" she said with hysterical force.
+
+"There is no need to," said the detective, feeling his arms, which were
+rather sore.  "Mallow, I beg your pardon for having fought you, but I
+knew you would not lend yourself to a deception, and the only way in
+which I could force this lady to show that she was able to walk was by
+a feigned fight."
+
+"Then you don't intend to arrest me?" said Mallow, rising and staring.
+
+"Never had any idea of doing so," rejoined Jennings coolly. "I wished
+to learn the truth about Mrs. Herne."
+
+"Mrs. Herne!"
+
+"Or Maraquito Gredos or Bathsheba Saul.  She has a variety of names, my
+dear fellow.  Which one do you prefer?" he asked, turning to the
+discovered woman.
+
+Maraquito looked like the goddess of war.  Her eyes flashed and her
+face was red with anger.  Standing in a striking attitude, with one
+foot thrust forward, her active brain was searching for some means of
+escape.  "I don't know what you mean by calling me these names!"
+
+"I mean that you are to be arrested.  You are Mrs. Herne. Your accident
+was merely a sham to avert suspicion."
+
+"Mrs. Herne is my aunt."
+
+"Pardon me, no.  The only aunt you ever had was Emilia Saul, who died
+in Caranby's house.  In our interview at Hampstead you betrayed
+yourself when we talked of Mallow.  I had you watched.  You were seen
+to enter this house, and out of it Mrs. Herne never came.  Your
+servants do not know Mrs. Herne--only their invalid mistress."
+
+Maraquito, seeing her danger, panted with rage, and looked like a
+trapped animal.  "Even if this is true, which I deny," she said in a
+voice tremulous with rage, "how dare you arrest me, and for what?"
+
+"For setting that boy Gibber to poison the man who called himself Tyke.
+The lad has left your service--which means he is in hiding."
+
+"I know nothing about this," said Maraquito, suddenly becoming cool.
+"Do you mean to arrest me now?"
+
+"I have the warrant and a couple of plain-dress detectives below.  You
+can't escape."
+
+"I have no wish to escape," she retorted, moving towards a door which
+led into an inner room.  "I can meet and dispose of this ridiculous
+charge.  The doctor told me that a sudden shock might bring back my
+strength.  And that it has done.  I am not Mrs. Herne--I am not
+Bathsheba Saul.  I am Maraquito Gredos, a Spanish lady--"
+
+"Who doesn't know her own language," said Jennings.
+
+"I pass over your insults," said the woman with dignity.  "But as you
+intend to take me away, will you please let me enter my bedroom to
+change my dress?"
+
+Jennings drew aside and permitted her to pass.  "I am not afraid you
+will escape," he said politely.  "If you attempt to leave you will fall
+into the hands of my men.  They watch every door."
+
+Maraquito winced, and with a last look at the astounded Mallow, passed
+into the room.  When she shut the door Mallow looked at Jennings.  "I
+don't know what all this means," he said.
+
+"I have told you," replied Jennings, rather impatiently, "the letter I
+sent you was to bring you here.  The struggle was a feigned one on my
+side to make Maraquito defend you.  I knew she would never let you be
+worsted if she could help; exactly as I knew you would never consent to
+play such a trick on her."
+
+"Certainly not.  With all her faults, she loves me."
+
+"So well that she will kill Juliet Saxon rather than see her in your
+arms.  Don't frown, Mallow, Maraquito is a dangerous woman, and it is
+time she was laid by the heels.  You don't know what I have found out."
+
+"Have you learned who killed Miss Loach?"
+
+"No.  But I am on the way to learn it.  I'll tell you everything
+another time.  Meanwhile, I must get this woman safely locked up.
+Confound her, she is a long time."
+
+"She may have escaped," said Mallow, as Jennings knocked at the door.
+
+"I don't see how she can.  There are men at the front door and at a
+secret entrance she used to enter as Mrs. Herne."  He knocked again,
+but there was no reply.  Finally Jennings grew exasperated and tried to
+open the door.  It was locked.  "I believe she is escaping," he said,
+"help me, Mallow."
+
+The two men put their shoulders to the door and burst it in. When they
+entered the bedroom it was empty.  There was no sign of Maraquito
+anywhere, and no sign, either, of how she had managed to evade the law.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+THE SECRET ENTRANCE
+
+
+AS may be guessed, Jennings was very vexed that Maraquito had escaped.
+He had posted his men at the front and back doors and also at the side
+entrance through which Senora Gredos in her disguise as Mrs. Herne had
+entered.  He never considered for the moment that so clever a woman
+might have some way of escape other than he had guessed.  "Yet I might
+have thought it," he said, when Cuthbert and he left the house.  "I
+expect that place is like a rabbit-burrow.  Maraquito always expected
+to be taken some day in spite of her clever assumption of helplessness.
+That was a smart dodge."
+
+"How did you learn that she was shamming?"
+
+"I only guessed so.  I had no proof.  But when I interviewed the pseudo
+Mrs. Herne at her Hampstead lodgings, she betrayed so much emotion when
+speaking of you that I guessed it was the woman herself.  I only tried
+that experiment to see if she was really ill.  If she had not moved I
+should have been done."
+
+"It seems to me that you are done now," said Cuthbert angrily. He was
+not very pleased at the use Jennings had made of him.
+
+"By no means.  Maraquito will take refuge in a place I know of.  She
+does not fancy I am aware of its existence.  But I am on my way there
+now.  You can come also if you like."
+
+"No," said Mallow decisively, "so far as I am concerned, I have no
+further interest in these matters.  I told you so the other day."
+
+"Don't you wish to know who killed Miss Loach?"
+
+Mallow hesitated, and wondered how much the detective knew. "Have you
+any clue to the assassin?" he asked.
+
+Jennings shrugged his shoulders.  "I can't say that.  But I suspect the
+coiners have something to do with the matter."
+
+"The coiners?"
+
+"Ah!  I know you have not learned much about them.  I have no time now
+to talk, but you will see everything in the papers shortly.  I can tell
+you, Mallow, there's going to be a row."
+
+Mallow, like all young Englishmen, was fond of fighting, and his blood
+was at once afire to join in, but, on second thoughts, he resolved to
+stick to his original determination and stay away.  It would be better,
+he thought, to let Jennings carry out his plans unhampered.  In order,
+therefore, to preserve Basil's secret, Mallow nodded to the detective
+and went home.  That night he spent wondering what had become of
+Maraquito.
+
+Meantime, Jennings, with a dozen men, was on his way to Rexton.  It was
+now after eleven, and the clock struck the half hour as they landed at
+Rexton Station.  The police force of the suburb had been notified of
+the raid about to be made, and Inspector Twining was on the spot.  He
+guided the party through the side path which terminated near Rose
+Cottage.  The night was dark and rainy, but there were occasional
+gleams of moonlight.  There was no light in the windows of Rose
+Cottage, and everything appeared to be quiet.  Behind loomed the ruins
+of the unfinished house beneath which was the coining factory.
+
+On the way to the spot Jennings conversed with Twining in low tones and
+detailed his experience with Maraquito.
+
+"I am quite sure that she has gone to the factory," he said; "she does
+not think that I know about it.  I fancy she will tell her pals that
+the game is up and the lot will light out for America."
+
+"They may have gone by this time," suggested the inspector.
+
+"I don't think so.  Maraquito must have just arrived, if indeed she has
+come here.  Besides, she will never guess that I know how to get into
+the place, or indeed think that I know of its existence."
+
+"How did you guess?"
+
+"Guess is a good word.  I just did guess, Twining.  From various facts
+which there is no time to tell you, I became convinced that there was a
+factory in existence.  Also I fancied that the death of that old lady
+was connected with the preservation of the secret.  But I only got at
+the hard facts the other day, when a girl called Grant--"
+
+"I remember.  She gave evidence at the inquest."
+
+"Precisely.  Well, she brought me some plans belonging to her father
+which she found.  He was engaged in a quiet job hereabouts five years
+ago, and died when it was finished.  He was poisoned with arsenic."
+
+"What! like that man Tyke?"
+
+"Yes.  The person who runs this show--Maraquito, I think--evidently has
+a partiality for that extremely painful poison. Well, this workman
+having constructed the secret entrance, was got out of the way by
+death, so that the secret might be preserved.  And I guess Miss Loach
+was settled also in case she might give the alarm."
+
+"But if the secret entrance is in the cottage," said Twining, "this old
+woman may have been aware of its existence."
+
+"Certainly, and was about to split when she was killed.  At least, that
+is my theory."
+
+"She must have been in with the gang."
+
+"I have never been able to fix that," said Jennings thoughtfully.  "I
+know she was a lady and of good birth.  Also she had money, although
+she condemned herself to this existence as a hermit.  Why she should
+let Maraquito and her lot construct a secret entrance I can't
+understand.  However, we'll know the truth to-night.  But you can now
+guess, Twining, how the bell came to be sounded."
+
+"No, I can't," said the inspector, promptly.
+
+"I forgot.  You don't know that the secret entrance is in the room
+where Miss Loach was murdered.  Well, one of the gang, after the death,
+sounded the bell to call attention to the corpse, and then slipped away
+before Susan Grant could get to the room."
+
+"But why should this person have sounded the bell?"
+
+"That is what I have to find out.  There's a lot to learn here."
+
+"Have you any idea who killed Miss Loach?"
+
+"Maraquito, under the disguise of Mrs. Herne."
+
+"Was she Mrs. Herne?"
+
+"Yes.  She masqueraded as an invalid who could not leave her couch, but
+I managed to get at the truth to-night."
+
+"But from the evidence at the inquest, Mrs. Herne was out of the house
+when the blow was struck."
+
+"Quite so: But we did not know of this secret entrance then. I fancy
+she came back--"
+
+"But how can you--"
+
+"There's no more time to talk," interrupted Jennings.  "We must get to
+work as soon as possible.  Order your men to surround the house."
+
+"And the park also?"
+
+"We have not enough men for that.  And I don't think there's any other
+exit from the factory save that through Rose Cottage.  If there was,
+Maraquito and her two friends would not have played whist so
+persistently with Miss Loach every night."
+
+"It was three times a week, I think."
+
+"Well, it doesn't matter.  Here we are."  Jennings opened the garden
+gate and walked boldly up the path towards the silent house.  The men,
+under the low-spoken directions of Twining, spread themselves round the
+house so as to arrest any coiner who might attempt escape.  Then the
+detective rang the bell. There was no answer for a few minutes.  He
+rang again.
+
+A window in the cottage was opened cautiously, and the head of Mrs.
+Pill, in a frilled nightcap of gigantic size, was thrust out.  "Is that
+you, Thomas, coming home at this late hour the worse for drink, you
+idle wretch, and me almost dead with want of sleep."
+
+"It's a message from your husband, Mrs. Barnes," said Jennings, signing
+to Twining to keep out of sight.  "Come and open the door, and I'll
+tell you what has happened."
+
+"Oh, lor! is Thomas gone the way of flesh?" wailed Mrs. Barnes,
+formerly Pill.  "Come to the cottage door."
+
+"No.  Open this one," said Jennings, who had his own reasons for this
+particular entrance being made use of.  "You know me--"
+
+"Mr. Jennings, as was in the case of my pore, dear, dead lady. Of
+course I knows you, sir, and the fact as you are police makes me
+shudder to think as Thomas is jailed for drink.  Wait one moment, sir.
+I'll hurry on a petticoat and shawl.  How good of you to come, sir."
+
+When the window shut down, Jennings bent towards the inspector, who was
+crouching on the other side of the steps. "This woman is innocent," he
+whispered.  "She knows nothing, else she would not admit us so quickly."
+
+"It may be a blind, Jennings.  She may have gone to give the gang
+warning, you know."
+
+"I don't know," retorted the detective sharply.  "I am quite sure that
+Mrs. Barnes doesn't even know her husband Thomas is one of the lot.  I
+don't care if she does give warning either, if your surmise is correct.
+All our men are round the house, and if any of the gang escape we can
+collar them."
+
+"That is supposing there isn't another exit from the unfinished house,"
+muttered Twining, anxious to have the last word.
+
+Mrs. Barnes appeared at the door in a brilliant red petticoat, a white
+woollen shawl, and the cap aforesaid.  Her feet were thrust into carpet
+slippers and she carried a candle.  "An' it is good of you, sir, to
+come 'ere and tell me that Thomas is in jail, he being-"
+
+"We can talk of that inside," said the detective, pushing past her.  "I
+suppose you don't mind my friend coming in."
+
+Mrs. Barnes almost dropped when she saw the second person, especially
+when she noted the uniform.  "It must be murder at least," she wailed,
+almost dropping the candle in her fright; "lor! do tell me, sir, that
+Thomas have not murdered anyone."
+
+"Lead us down to the sitting-room and we'll tell you, Mrs. Barnes."
+
+"I can't do that, sir, Mr. Clancy may be 'ome any moment"
+
+"Isn't he at home now?"
+
+"Bless you, no, Mr. Jennings, he being fond of goin' out, not that he's
+an old man, and why shouldn't he enjoy hisself.  Not that a woman could
+wish for a better lodger, though he only bin 'ere a week or so, he
+givin' no trouble and havin' a latch-key."
+
+"I want to see Mr. Clancy also," said Jennings impatiently, while
+Twining turned on the electric light in the hall.  "Take us down to the
+basement."
+
+The woman would have objected again, but from the stern expression on
+her visitors' faces she judged that it would be wiser to obey.  She
+descended, candle in hand, turning on the lights as she went down.  In
+the sitting-room she paused and faced the detective.  "Do tell me
+what's wrong, sir?" she asked.  "Thomas is a fool, but we're newly wed
+and I shouldn't like anything to 'appen to 'im, though he do take
+fondly-like to the bottle."
+
+"When did Thomas go out?"
+
+"At eight, and Mr. Clancy at nine, though Mr. Clancy havin' a
+latch-key, don't give me trouble lettin' him in which Thomas does."
+
+"Ah!" said Jennings, with a side-glance at the inspector, "so your
+husband goes out often?"
+
+"He do, sir.  Three times a week.  I 'ave tried to break 'im of these
+larky 'abits but he won't do what I arsks him.  I wish I'd stopped at
+bein' Pill," wailed Mrs. Barnes, wiping her eyes.  "An' if Thomas is
+drunk and bail bein' required--"
+
+"I don't know if your husband is drunk or sober," interrupted Jennings.
+"We are on a different errand.  Tell me, Mrs. Barnes, do you know if
+Miss Loach had a secret entrance to this room?"
+
+"Lor no, sir," cried the woman, casting a surprised glance round,
+"whatever would she 'ave that for, pore dear?"
+
+"The furniture is oddly placed," said Twining.
+
+And indeed it was.  Tables and chairs and sofa were ranged in two lines
+on either side of the room, leaving the middle portion bare.  The floor
+was covered with a Turkey carpet down the centre, but the sides of the
+floor were without covering. Mrs. Barnes explained this.
+
+"Miss Loach liked to 'ave things straight this way for the night, bein'
+of tidy 'abits.  She thought the floor bein' clear left the 'ousemaid,
+who was Geraldine, room to sweep and dust thoroughly.  Mr. Clancy 'ave
+the same fancy, though being a man as tidy as ever was."
+
+"Strange Mr. Clancy should be tidy," said Jennings drily.  "He
+certainly is not so in his dress.  Now the best thing you can do, Mrs.
+Barnes, is to go to bed."
+
+"An' leave you 'ere," screeched the cook indignantly.  "Why, whatever
+would Mr. Clancy say, he being respectable."
+
+"Very good then, you can stop here.  Stand on one side, Twining, and
+you, Mrs. Barnes.  Both of you stand on the bare floor near the wall."
+
+Considerably surprised, Mrs. Barnes did as she was told, and uttered a
+cry when she saw the floor begin to move.  Jennings, who was pressing a
+button at the end of the room, stopped. "Take her upstairs, Twining.
+She will alarm the gang!"
+
+"Alarm who?" cried the cook, struggling with the inspector. "Whatever
+do you mean?  Shame--shame to 'old a defenceless lady.  'Elp!"
+
+But her cries for help were unheeded.  Twining bore her up the stairs
+and summoned one of his men.  In a few minutes Mrs. Barnes was safely
+locked up in her own bedroom in the cottage, a prey to terrors.  Poor
+woman, being innocent, she could not understand the meaning of this
+midnight visit, nor indeed the mysterious moving of the floor.  It had
+never happened so before within her recollection.
+
+Twining came down with six men, leaving the others to guard the exits
+from the house and garden.  At the door of the sitting-room he stopped
+at the head of those he was bringing. At his feet yawned a gulf in
+which steps appeared.  The whole of the centre of the floor had
+disappeared into the wall opposite to the fireplace, and the rough
+steps led down into a kind of passage that ran in the direction of the
+unfinished house.  "This is the entrance," said Jennings, "it works
+from a concealed button on the wall.  Electricity is used.  You see why
+the sides of the floor are left bare; the carpet has quite disappeared.
+But we have no time to lose," he jumped down lightly.  "Come along men,
+hurry up."
+
+"As we will be at a disadvantage, we may as well get our barkers out,"
+said the inspector, and the men produced revolvers.  Then they went
+into the burrow at the tail of the intrepid Jennings.
+
+That gentleman stole along the narrow passage: It ran straightly for a
+few yards and then took a turn to the right. The ground continued to
+slope for some distance until it terminated in a heavy door of wood.
+Jennings fancied this might be locked, and felt a pang of
+disappointment.  But it proved to be merely closed to.  Apparently the
+coiners were so sure of their safety that they did not trouble to keep
+the door locked.  The detective opened it gently, and with the men
+close at his heels stole forward.  He held his revolver lightly in his
+right hand, ready for emergencies.  The passage was quite dark, but
+being narrow, the men had no hesitation in going forward.  Some way
+down, after leaving the door, the passage branched into two ways, for
+Jennings came against a wall directly ahead.  Wondering what this
+meant, he struck a match, and the blue light revealed one passage
+running down to the left and another opening up to the right.  While
+the detective hesitated which to take, the darkness was suddenly
+illuminated with the glare of lamps.  From a dozen electric lights at
+the sides of the passage sprang a white glow.  At the further end of
+the sloping passage appeared the figure of a man.  He gave a shout when
+the figures of the police were revealed in the sudden illumination and
+vanished suddenly. There was not a moment to be lost.  Jennings, crying
+to his men, dashed ahead.  As he neared the end of the burrow, for it
+was nothing else, a pistol shot rang out and he felt as though his
+shoulder had been pierced with a red-hot iron.  But the wound did not
+stop him.
+
+"Quick, men--quick!  Some stop and guard the double way. They will try
+and escape that way."
+
+His orders were obeyed with precision, and two men stopped behind,
+while the rest, with Twining at their head, pressed forward.  They ran
+against another door, but it also was open, as the watching man had not
+had time to close it.  Through this the police poured, and found
+themselves in a large, dry cellar, brilliantly lighted.  On every hand
+were the evidences of the pursuits of the gang.  But no one had time to
+take in details.  The startled and infuriated coiners were fighting for
+their liberty.  In a moment the lights were out, but not before
+Jennings saw Clancy and Hale at the far end of the cellar, with white
+faces and levelled revolvers.  There were other men also.  Shots rang
+out, but in the darkness everyone fired at random.  The coiners strove
+to force their way to the door, evidently anxious to gain the forked
+passage, so that they could escape by one of the two exits.  Twining
+uncovered his lantern and flashed the light round.  It converted him
+into a target and he fell, shot through the heart by Hale. The other
+men made a dash for liberty, but the police also producing their
+lights, managed to seize them.  At last Hale, apparently seeing there
+was no chance of escaping in the gloom, turned on the electric lights
+again, and the illumination revealed a cellar filled with struggling
+men. Jennings made for Clancy, as it struck him that this man, in spite
+of the foolish look on his face, was the prime agent. Clancy fired and
+missed.  Then he strove to close with Jennings.  The latter hammered
+him over the head with the butt of his revolver.  Shouts and oaths came
+from the infuriated thieves, but the police fought like bulldogs, with
+tenacious courage, silent and grim.
+
+"Hold them--hold them!" cried Jennings, as he went down.
+
+"I'll do for you this time," said Hale between his teeth, and flung
+himself forward, but Jennings struggled valiantly.  The coiner was over
+him, and trying to get at his revolver which had fallen in the fight.
+Jennings waited till he stretched, then fired upward.  Hale gave a yell
+of agony, and throwing up his arms, fell on one side.  Wounded, and in
+great pain, Jennings rose.  He had just time to see Clancy in the grip
+of two policemen, fighting desperately, when his senses left him and he
+fainted.  The shouts and oaths and shots rang out wildly and confusedly
+as he lost consciousness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A SCAMP'S HISTORY
+
+
+When Jennings came to himself he was lying on a sofa in the dining-room
+on the ground-floor of the villa.  His shoulder hurt him a trifle, but
+otherwise he felt well, though slightly weak.  The doctor was at his
+side.  It was the same man who had attended to the body of the late
+occupant of the house.
+
+"Are you feeling better?" said Doctor Slane, when he saw the eyes of
+the detective open.  "You had better remain here for a time.  Your men
+have secured the rascals--all five of them."
+
+"And Twining?" asked Jennings, trying to sit up.
+
+"He is dead--shot through the heart.  Clancy killed him."
+
+"Then he'll swing for it," said Jennings in a stronger tone, "we lose a
+good man in poor Twining.  And Hale?"
+
+"You have wounded him severely in the lungs.  I fear he will die.  We
+have put him in Mrs. Barnes' room on her bed.  The poor woman is wild
+with grief and terror.  I suppose you know her husband was amongst
+those rascals."
+
+"I thought as much.  His going out was merely a blind.  But I must get
+up and look at the factory.  Send Atkins to me."
+
+Atkins was the man next in command now that the inspector was dead.
+
+The doctor tried to keep Jennings on his back, but the detective would
+not listen.  "There is much to do," he said, rising unsteadily.  "You
+have bound up my shoulder.  I won't lose any more blood."
+
+"You have lost a good deal already."
+
+"It's my business.  We detectives have our battles to fight as well as
+soldiers have theirs.  Give me some brandy and send Atkins."
+
+Seeing that the man was resolved, Slane gave him the drink and went
+out.  In a few minutes Atkins entered and saluted. Jennings, after
+drinking the fiery spirit, felt much better, and was fairly steady on
+his legs.  "Did you see any women amongst the men we took?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir," replied the other, "there were five men.  Two are
+wounded--one slightly, and the other--Hale--severely. He wants to make
+a confession to you, and I have sent to the office for a clerk to take
+down his words.  Dr. Slane says he will not live till morning."
+
+"He will cheat the law, I suppose," said Jennings, "give me your arm,
+Atkins.  I want to visit the factory."
+
+"Are you strong enough, sir?"
+
+"Quite strong enough.  Don't bother," replied the other as a twinge of
+pain made him wince.  "We've made a good haul this time."
+
+"You'll say that, sir, when you see the factory.  It is the most
+complete thing of its kind."
+
+"Tell the clerk when he arrives not to take down Hale's confession till
+I arrive.  I won't be more than a quarter of an hour.  Give me your arm
+when you return."
+
+Atkins departed on his errand, and Jennings sat down, wondering what
+had become of Maraquito.  He made sure she would go to the factory, as
+being a place of refuge which the police would find hard to discover.
+But, apparently, she had taken earth in some other crib belonging to
+the gang. However, he would have all the ports watched, and she would
+find it hard to escape abroad.  Maraquito was so striking a woman that
+it was no easy matter for her to disguise herself. And Jennings swore
+that he would capture her, for he truly believed that she had killed
+Miss Loach, and was the prime mover in the whole business.  Hitherto
+she had baffled him by her dexterity, but when they next met he hoped
+to get the upper hand.
+
+His underling returned and, resting on his arm, Jennings with some
+difficulty managed to get down the stairs.  The whole house now blazed
+with light.  Formerly the detective had wondered why Miss Loach had
+been so fond of electric lamps, thinking that as an old lady she would
+have preferred a softer glow.  But now he knew that she required the
+electricity for the illumination of the factory, and for manipulating
+the metals required in the manufacture of coins.  There was no doubt
+that she was one of the gang also, but Jennings could not conceive why
+she should take to such a business.  However, the woman was dead and
+the gang captured, so the detective moved along the narrow passage with
+a sense of triumph.  He never thought that he would be so lucky as to
+make this discovery, and he knew well that such a triumph meant praise
+and reward.  "I'll be able to marry Peggy now," he thought.
+
+The coiners had been removed to the Rexton cells, and only Hale
+remained under the charge of Mrs. Barnes and Dr. Slane. The body of
+Twining lay in the dining-room of the villa.  A policeman was on guard
+at the door of the villa, and two remained at the forked passage.  When
+Jennings arrived here he felt inclined to turn off to the right and
+explore the other passage, but he was also anxious to see the factory
+and assure himself of the value of his discovery.  He therefore
+painfully hobbled along, clinging to Atkins, but sustained in his
+efforts by an indomitable spirit.
+
+"Here you are, sir," said Atkins, turning on the light and revealing
+the workshop.  "A fine plant, isn't it?"
+
+"It is, indeed," said Jennings, glancing up to the rough roof where
+five or six lamps blazed like suns, "and a nice hiding-place they
+found.  I'll sit here and look round, Atkins."
+
+He dropped into a chair near the bench and stared at the cellar.  It
+was large, and built of rough stones, so that it looked like a prison
+cell of the Bastille.  The floor was of beaten earth, the roof of
+brick, built in the form of an arch, and the door was of heavy wood
+clamped with iron.  The brilliant illumination enabled Jennings to see
+everything, even to the minutest detail of the place.
+
+In one corner were three large dynamos, and in another a smelting pot,
+and many sheets of silver and copper.  Also, there were moulds of
+gutta-percha arranged to hold coins in immersion.  On a bench were a
+number of delicate tools and a strong vice.  Jennings also saw various
+appliances for making coins.  On rough deal shelves ranged round the
+walls stood flasks and jars containing powders, with tools and a great
+many chemicals.  Also there were piles of false money, gold and silver
+and copper, and devices for sweating sovereigns. In a safe were lumps
+of gold and silver.  Beside it, a bath filled with some particular
+liquid used in the trade. Electric cells, acids, wooden clips to hold
+the coins could also be seen.  In fact the whole factory was conducted
+on the most scientific principles, and Jennings could understand how so
+many cleverly-prepared coins came to be in circulation. There were even
+moulds for the manufacture of francs and louis.
+
+"I daresay the gang have other places," he said to Atkins, "but this is
+their headquarters, I fancy.  If I can only get some of them to tell
+the truth we might find the other places."
+
+"Hale wants to confess."
+
+"Yes.  But I fancy it is about the murder of Miss Loach.  She was
+apparently killed to ensure the safety of this den.  We must root the
+coiners out, Atkins.  Maraquito, who is the head of the business, is at
+large, and unless we can take her, she will continue to make false
+money in some other place. However, I have seen enough for the time
+being.  Keep guard over this place till we hear from the Yard tomorrow."
+
+"You'll go home and lie down, sir."
+
+"No.  I intend to hear Hale's confession.  By to-morrow it will be too
+late.  I wouldn't miss hearing what he has to say for anything."
+
+"But can you keep up, sir?"
+
+"Yes, yes--don't bother," said Jennings, rising, the pain making him
+testy, "give me your arm, Atkins.  By the way, where does the other
+passage lead to?  I have not enough strength to explore."
+
+"It leads to the top of the ground, sir, and comes out into the trunk
+of a tree."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Well, sir, it's very clever.  There's an old oak near the wall, and
+the trunk is hollow.  All anyone has to do is to climb up through the
+trunk by means of stairs and drop over the wall.  The coiners were
+making for that when we captured them."
+
+"Humph!  Have that place watched.  Maraquito may come here to-night
+after all.  It is now one o'clock."
+
+"I don't think she'll come, Mr. Jennings.  But we have every point
+watched.  No one can come or go unless we know."
+
+"Come along then," said Jennings, who was growing weak, "let us see
+Hale.  The sooner his confession is written and signed the better."
+
+Not another word did Jennings say till he got on to the ground floor of
+the villa.  But he had been thinking, for when there he turned to the
+man who supported him.  "How is it the oak with the hollow trunk still
+stands?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, it escaped the fire, sir.  Some of the boughs were burnt off but
+the trunk itself is all right.  It is close to the wall too."
+
+"Humph!" said Jennings, setting his teeth with the pain, "give me a sup
+of brandy out of your flask, Atkins.  Now for Hale."
+
+When he arrived in the bedroom where Hale was lying groaning, Jennings
+had the factitious strength of the spirit. A sleepy-eyed clerk was
+seated at the table with sheets of paper before him.  A lamp was on the
+table.  Mrs. Barnes was crouching in a chair near the bed.  When she
+saw Jennings she flung herself down weeping.
+
+"Oh, sir, I knew no more of this than a babe unborn," she wailed, "I
+never thought my second was a villing.  To think that Thomas--"
+
+"That's all right, Mrs. Barnes, I quite acquit you."
+
+"Not Barnes.  Pill I am again, and Mrs. Pill I'll be to the end of my
+days.  To think Thomas should be a blackguard.  Pill drank, I don't
+deny, but he didn't forge and coin, and--"
+
+"Wasn't clever enough, perhaps," said Hale from the bed in a weak
+voice, "oh, there you are, Jennings.  Get that fool out of the room and
+listen to what I have to tell you.  I haven't much time.  I am going
+fast."
+
+Jennings induced Mrs. Pill, as she now insisted on being called, to
+leave the room.  Then he sat down on the bed beside the dying man.
+Atkins remained at the door, and the doctor seated himself by Hale's
+head with a glass of brandy.  It might be needed for the revival of
+Hale, who, having lost much blood, was terribly weak.  But the poor
+wretch was bent upon confession, and even told his story with pride.
+
+"You had a job to take us, Jennings," he said with a weak chuckle.  "I
+don't know how you found us out though."
+
+"It's too long a story to tell.  But, first of all, tell me did
+Maraquito come here to-night?"
+
+"No.  Are you after her?"
+
+"Yes, I know she isn't an invalid."
+
+"Ah, she diddled you there," said Hale with another chuckle, "a very
+clever woman is Maraquito.  I wished to marry her, but now I'm done
+for.  After all, I'm not sorry, since my pals are taken.  But I did
+think I'd have been able to go to South America and marry Maraquito.
+I've made plenty of money by this game.  Sometimes we sweated four
+hundred sovereigns a day.  The factory has been here for five years,
+Jennings--"
+
+"I know.  The man Maxwell, who was Susan Grant's father, made the
+secret entrance, and you had him killed."
+
+"No, I didn't.  Miss Loach did that.  I thought she was a fool at the
+time.  I told her so.  We could have taken Maxwell as a pal.  He was
+willing to come.  But she thought death was best."
+
+"And Maraquito killed Tyke?"
+
+"No.  I did that.  I sent Gibber to fix him up.  Tyke was a drunkard
+and made a fool of himself in being arrested.  He would have given the
+show away, so I sent Gibber with a poisoned bottle of whisky.  I knew
+Tyke couldn't resist a drink.  He died, and--"
+
+"Did you kill Miss Loach also?" interrupted Jennings, casting a glance
+over his shoulder to make sure that the clerk was noting all this.
+
+Hale laughed weakly.
+
+"No!" he said.  "I fancied you would ask that.  I tell you honestly
+that none of us know who killed her."
+
+"That's rubbish.  You do know."
+
+"I swear I don't.  Neither does Maraquito.  You haven't caught her yet
+and you never will.  I'm not going to split on the pals I have left,
+Jennings.  You have nabbed some, but there are others, and other
+factories also.  I won't tell you about those."
+
+"Clancy is captured--he will."
+
+"Don't you make any mistake.  Clancy is not the fool he looks. He has
+the cleverest head of the lot of us.  But I'd better get on with my
+confession, though it won't do you much good."
+
+"So long as you say who killed Miss Loach--"
+
+"Miss Loach," sneered Hale, "why not Emilia Saul?"
+
+Jennings was almost too surprised to speak.  "Do you mean to say--"
+
+"Yes, I do.  All the time you and Miss Saxon and that idiot of a
+brother thought she was Selina Loach.  She wasn't, but she was very
+like her.  Emilia met Selina in the house that is now burnt and pushed
+her off the plank.  The face was disfigured and Selina was buried as
+Emilia."
+
+"Then Mrs. Octagon must know--"
+
+"She knows a good deal.  You'd better ask her for details. Give me a
+sup of brandy, doctor.  Yes," went on Hale, when he felt better, "I
+laughed in my sleeve when I thought how Emilia tricked you all.  She
+was Maraquito's aunt.  Her name--"
+
+"Maraquito's name is Bathsheba Saul."
+
+"Yes.  I expect Caranby told you that.  He was too clever, that old
+man.  I was always afraid that he would find out about the factory.  A
+long while ago I wished Maraquito to give up the business and marry me.
+Then we would have gone to South America and have lived in peace on no
+end of money. Emilia left six thousand a year, so you may guess that
+Maraquito and I made money also.  But she was in love with Mallow, and
+would not come away.  I feared Caranby should take it into his head to
+search the house--"
+
+"Was that why you had it burnt?"
+
+"No.  Tyke did that out of revenge, because Maraquito marked him with a
+knife.  Do you think I would have been such a fool as to burn the
+house.  Why, Caranby would have probably let out the land, and
+foundations would have been dug for new villas, when our plant would
+have been discovered."
+
+"Who are you, Hale?"
+
+"Who do you think?" asked the dying man, chuckling.
+
+"One of the Saul family.  You have the same eyebrows as Maraquito."
+
+"And as Mrs. Herne, who really was Maraquito."
+
+"Yes, I know that.  But who are you?"
+
+"My real name is Daniel Saul."
+
+"Ah!  I thought you were a member of the family.  There is a likeness
+to Maraquito--"
+
+"Nose and eyebrows and Hebrew looks.  But I am only a distant cousin.
+My father married a Christian, but I retain a certain look of his
+people.  He died when I was young.  Emilia's mother brought me up.  I
+knew a lot about the coining in those days, and I was always in love
+with Bathsheba, who is my cousin--"
+
+"Bathsheba?"
+
+"You know her best as Maraquito, so by that name I shall speak of her.
+Jennings," said Hale, his voice growing weaker, "I have little time
+left, so you had better not interrupt me." He took another sup of
+brandy and the doctor felt his pulse. Then he began to talk so fast
+that the clerk could hardly keep pace with his speech.  Evidently he
+was afraid lest he should die before his recital ended.
+
+"When old Mrs. Saul lost Emilia--" he began.
+
+"But she didn't lose Emilia," interrupted Jennings.
+
+"She thought she had.  She never knew that Emilia took the name of
+Selina Loach.  You had better ask Mrs. Octagon for details on that
+subject.  Don't interrupt.  Well, when Mrs. Saul lost Emilia, she took
+more and more to coining.  So did her son, Bathsheba's father.  They
+were caught and put in prison.  I was taken in hand by a benevolent
+gentleman who brought me up and gave me the profession of a lawyer.  I
+chose that because I thought it might be handy.  Then Mrs. Saul came
+out of prison and her son also.  Both died.  Maraquito tried various
+professions and finally went in for dancing.  She hurt her foot, and
+that attempt to gain a living failed.  I was in practice then and we
+started the gambling-house together.  But by this time I had found
+Emilia living here as Selina Loach. Mrs. Octagon can tell you how we
+met.  Emilia persuaded me and Maraquito to go in for the coining.  She
+already had Clancy interested.  He was a good man at getting the proper
+ring of the coins.  Well, we managed to make a tunnel to the cellars of
+the unfinished house, and then Emilia built the extra wing to the
+villa.  The secret entrances were made by--"
+
+"By Maxwell.  I know that.  Go on."
+
+"Well, we started the concern.  I haven't time to tell you in detail
+how lucky we were.  We counterfeited foreign coins also.  We all made
+plenty of money.  Emilia suggested Maraquito feigning to be an invalid,
+so as to make things safe.  False coins were passed at the
+gambling-house. Maraquito came here as Mrs. Herne and had a house--or
+rather lodgings--at Hampstead.  We came here three times a week, and
+while supposed to be playing whist, we were at the factory.  Emilia
+kept guard.  Sometimes we went out by the door of this house and at
+times by another way--"
+
+"I know.  Up the tree-trunk."
+
+"Ah, you have found that out," said Hale in a weak voice; "what a place
+it is," he murmured regretfully, "no one will ever get such another.  I
+can't understand how you came to find us out."
+
+"Tell me what happened on that night?" asked Jennings, seeing that the
+man was growing weaker, and fearful lest he should die without telling
+the secret of the death.
+
+"On that night," said the dying scamp, rousing himself; "well,
+Maraquito quarrelled with Clancy, and went with me to the factory."
+
+"Then you were not out of the house?"
+
+"No.  We went by the underground passage to work.  Clancy went away, as
+he had business elsewhere.  The moment he had gone I came up from the
+passage.  Emilia was seated with the cards on her lap.  She came with
+me to the factory, and thinking Clancy might come back, she went out by
+the tree-trunk way."
+
+"What, that old lady?"
+
+"She wasn't so very old, and as active as a cat.  Besides, she did not
+want Clancy to come down, as she was afraid there might be a fight
+between him and Maraquito.  They had quarrelled about the division of
+some money, and Maraquito can use a knife on occasions."
+
+"She did on that night."
+
+"No.  Miss Loach--I mean Emilia--never came back.  We became alarmed,
+as we knew people had been round the house of late--"
+
+"Mr. Mallow--"
+
+"Yes, the fool.  We knew he had come prowling after ghosts. But he
+found nothing.  Well, I--" here Hale's voice died away.  The doctor
+gave him some more brandy and looked significantly at Jennings.
+
+"Get him to tell all at once," he whispered, "he's going."
+
+"Yes, I'm going," murmured Hale.  "I don't mind, though I am sorry to
+leave Maraquito.  Well," he added, in a stronger voice.  "I went out to
+see what was up.  We found Emilia lying dead near the tree.  She had
+been stabbed to the heart.  A bowie knife was near.  In great alarm I
+got Maraquito to come out, as the body could not be left there.  We
+dropped it down the tree-trunk and got it into the factory.  Then we
+wondered what was to be done.  Maraquito suggested we should take it
+back to the sitting-room, and then, people being ignorant of the
+passage, no one would know how Emilia had met with her death.  I
+thought there was nothing else to be done.  We carried the body through
+the passage and placed it in the chair.  I arranged the cards on the
+lap, knowing the servant had seen Emilia in that position, and that it
+would still further throw prying people"--here Hale glanced at
+Jennings--"off the scent.  Hardly had we arranged this and closed the
+floor, over us when we heard that someone was in the room.  It was a
+woman, and we heard her speaking to the corpse, ignorant that the woman
+was dead.  Then we heard a suppressed shriek. We guessed it was a
+woman, at least I did, but Maraquito was quicker and knew more.  She
+said it was Miss Saxon, and at once became anxious to fix the blame on
+her.  But I was afraid lest things should be discovered, so I dragged
+Maraquito back to the factory.  I believe Miss Saxon found the knife
+and then ran out, being afraid lest she should be discovered and
+accused.  This was what Maraquito wanted.  She suddenly escaped from me
+and ran back to the secret entrance.  By shifting the floor a little
+she saw into the room.  It was then eleven.  She saw also that the
+knife was gone, and it struck her that Miss Saxon could not be far off."
+
+"She was not," said Jennings, "she was hidden in the field of corn."
+
+"Ah.  I thought so.  Well, Maraquito fancied that if she was arrested
+with the knife before she could leave the neighborhood she would be
+charged with the murder."
+
+"But would Maraquito have let her suffer?" asked Jennings, horrified.
+
+"Of course she would," said Hale weakly, "she hated Miss Saxon because
+she was engaged to Mallow, the fool.  To get her caught, Maraquito
+jumped up into the sitting-room and rang the bell."
+
+"At eleven o'clock?"
+
+"Yes, I believe--I believe--" Hale's voice was getting weaker and
+weaker.  "She did ring--bell--then closed floor.  Servant came--I--I--"
+he stopped and his head fell back.  Suddenly he half rose and looked
+wildly into blank space.  "Maraquito," he cried strongly, "the game's
+at an end. Fly, my love, fly.  We have fought and--and--lost.
+Maraquito, oh my--" his voice died away.  He stretched out his hand,
+fell back and died with a look of tender love on his pallid face.
+
+"Poor wretch!" said Slane pityingly, "at least he loved truly."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+REVENGE
+
+
+The capture of the coiners caused an immense sensation, and the papers
+were filled with descriptions of the raid. Jennings came in for much
+congratulation, and his feat considerably improved his position with
+the authorities.  He was confined to his bed for some days by his wound
+and, meanwhile, events transpired in which he would have been
+considerably interested had he heard of them.  They had to do with
+Maraquito.
+
+Since her flight from the Soho house nothing had been heard of her,
+although every inquiry had been made.  Guessing that Jennings knew much
+more than was suspected, she was wise enough not to go to the Rexton
+factory, and congratulated herself on her foresight when she read the
+accounts of the raid in the papers.  But she was furiously angry at
+losing all, when on the point of realizing her desires.  She had sent
+her money to be banked abroad; she hoped, by means of threats to induce
+Mallow to give up Juliet, and she had trusted to win his love by
+assiduous attentions.  But the trick played by Jennings which revealed
+her deception, and the raid on the factory and the consequent death of
+Hale, upset her plans, and caused her to take refuge in hiding.  She
+did not fear being arrested, especially as her arch-enemy, the
+detective, was confined to bed, so she had time to make her plans.
+Maraquito particularly wished to revenge herself on Mallow and Juliet.
+She still loved the young man as much as ever, despite his contemptuous
+rejection of her suit.  But she blamed Juliet Saxon for the hardening
+of his heart, and it was on the girl that she determined to revenge
+herself.  At first she intended to call at the "Shrine of the Muses,"
+but thinking she would meet with opposition from Mrs. Octagon, likely
+to prevent the realization of her malignant wishes, she changed her
+mind.  It was no use visiting Mallow, as with him she could do nothing.
+Therefore she resolved to write to Lord Caranby and arrange a meeting
+with Juliet at his rooms in the Avon Hotel.  Then, when in the presence
+of the girl, she hoped to revenge herself in a way likely to cause
+Mallow exquisite pain.
+
+Thus it happened that Lord Caranby, who was very ill and confined to
+his rooms, received a letter from Maraquito, asking him to invite Miss
+Saxon to a meeting with the writer. "I see that the game is up," wrote
+the artful Maraquito, "and I am willing to put things straight.  I know
+much which will be of service in clearing up matters, as I was a
+partner with Hale and Clancy in the coining.  I do not mind admitting
+this, as I am not afraid of the police arresting me.  I can look after
+myself, and I am quite sure that you will not betray me when I call at
+your rooms.  I also have something to tell you about my dead Aunt
+Emilia whom you so deeply loved. Therefore, if you will arrange for me
+to meet Miss Saxon, and allow me to make a clean breast of it, all will
+be well."
+
+When Caranby received this letter his first idea was to send for
+Mallow.  But he reflected that Cuthbert was bitterly angered against
+Maraquito, and would probably hand her over to the police.  Caranby,
+from a remembrance of his love for Emilia, did not wish this to happen;
+therefore, he refrained from letting Mallow learn of Maraquito's
+determination.  He hoped to get the complete truth from her and arrange
+matters once and for all.  Also, there was another reason, and a very
+strong one, which prevented the old gentleman from having his nephew
+present at the projected interview.
+
+Maraquito soon received an answer to her letter.  It stated that Lord
+Caranby would be pleased to receive her on Sunday afternoon at three
+o'clock, and that Miss Saxon would be present.  When Maraquito read
+this she smiled an evil smile and went out to make a certain purchase
+which had to do with her visit.  Had Lord Caranby known of her wicked
+intention he would rather have cut off his right arm than have
+subjected Juliet to the danger she was about to undergo.  But he never
+credited Maraquito with such calculated wickedness.
+
+On Sunday afternoon the old gentleman was seated near the fire,
+carefully dressed as usual, but looking very ill.  He suffered, as he
+had told Jennings, from an incurable complaint, and there was no chance
+of his recovering.  But he refused to take to his bed, and insisted on
+keeping his feet. Cuthbert often came to see him, but on this
+particular afternoon Caranby had manoeuvred him out of the way by
+sending him to see an old friend with a message about his illness.
+Cuthbert never suspected what was in the wind or he certainly would not
+have gone.  Afterwards, he bitterly regretted that he had not told
+Caranby of Maraquito's threat against Juliet. Had he done so, Caranby
+would never have received her.  As it was, the old lord waited
+patiently for the woman who was about to bring disaster in her train.
+Precisely at three o'clock his servant showed up a lady.  "Madame
+Durand," he announced, and then retired, leaving his master alone with
+a bent, crooked old woman who walked with the aid of a cane, and seemed
+very ill.
+
+"I should never have known you," said Caranby, admiring Maraquito's
+talent for disguise.
+
+"Necessity has made me clever," she replied in a croaking voice, and
+glanced at the door.
+
+Caranby interpreted the look and voice.  "You can speak freely," he
+said ironically, "I have no police concealed hereabouts."
+
+"And Miss Saxon?" asked Maraquito, speaking in her natural voice.
+
+"She will be here at half-past three.  I wish to have a talk with you
+first, Miss Saul."
+
+The woman darted a terrible look at her host.  In spite of the mask of
+age which she had assumed, her eyes filled with youthful vigor and fire
+betrayed her.  They shone brilliantly from her wrinkled face.  Her hair
+was concealed under a close cap, above which she wore a broad-brimmed
+hat.  This head-dress would have been remarkable a few years back, but
+now that ladies are reverting to the fashions of their grandmothers, it
+passed unnoticed.  With a plain black dress, a black cloak trimmed
+profusely with beads, mittened hands and an ebony cane, she looked
+quite funereal.  To complete the oddity of her dress a black satin bag
+dangled by ribbons from her left arm.  In this she carried her
+handkerchief and--something else.  As usual, she was perfumed with the
+Hikui scent.  Caranby noticed this, and when she did not reply to his
+remark, pointed out its danger to her.
+
+"If you wish to escape the police, you must stop using so unusual a
+perfume, Miss Saul--"
+
+"Call me Maraquito; I am used to that name," she said harshly, and
+seated herself near the fire, shivering to keep up a character of old
+age, with slowly circulating blood.
+
+"Let us say Maraquita," answered Caranby, smiling, "we may as well be
+grammatical.  But this perfume betrays you.  Jennings knows that your
+friends use it as a sign."
+
+"Quite so," she answered, "it was clever of Jennings to have guessed
+its meaning.  I invented the idea.  But he is ill, and I don't think he
+has told anyone else about it.  He is fond of keeping his discoveries
+to himself.  He wants all the glory."
+
+"Surely he has had enough by this time, Maraquita.  But the scent--"
+
+"You are quite right, I shall not use it for the future.  But what do
+you think of my disguise?  Would anyone know me?"
+
+"Certainly not.  But I wonder you have the courage to show yourself so
+disfigured to the woman who is your rival."
+
+"Oh, as to that, she is my rival no longer," said Maraquito, with a
+gesture of disdain, "your nephew is not worthy of me. I surrender him
+from this moment."
+
+"That is very wise of you.  I expect you will go abroad and marry a
+millionaire."
+
+"I might.  But I have plenty of money of my own."
+
+"The way in which you made it is not creditable," said Caranby.
+
+"Bah!" she sneered.  "I did not come here to hear you talk morality,
+Lord Caranby.  You were no saint in your young days. I have heard all
+about you."
+
+"From whom?"
+
+"From my Aunt Emilia."
+
+"I scarcely think that.  You were but a child when she died."
+
+"She did not die," said Maraquito coldly.  "I have come to tell you
+that she lived as Miss Loach at Rose Cottage."
+
+Caranby started to his feet.  "What is this you tell me?"
+
+"The truth.  Emilia is dead now, but she lived alone for many a long
+day.  I knew that Selina Loach was my aunt, and," Maraquito looked at
+him with piercing eyes, "Mrs. Octagon knew also."
+
+By this time Caranby had recovered from his emotion.  "There is nothing
+bad I don't expect to hear of Isabella Octagon," he said, "so this then
+was why she visited you?"
+
+"Yes.  I ordered her to come by threatening to reveal what she knew to
+the police.  I could have done so by an anonymous letter.  She came and
+then I forced her to promise to stop the marriage.  I may as well add
+that I wrote insisting on the marriage being stopped as soon as Emilia
+died."
+
+"Ah!  And I thought along with Cuthbert that it was hatred of me that
+made Mrs. Octagon--"
+
+"Oh, she hates you sure enough.  But are you not astonished by my news?"
+
+"Very much astonished," responded Caranby thoughtfully, "how came it
+that Selina died and Isabella lived?"
+
+"The three met in the unfinished house," explained Maraquito. "I had
+the story from Emilia myself.  There was a quarrel. All three were in
+love with you.  Selina was standing on a plank at a considerable height
+from the ground.  In a rage Emilia pushed her off.  Isabella held her
+tongue as she hated Selina."
+
+"But the substitution?"
+
+"Well.  In the fall Selina's face was much mutilated.  I believe,"
+added Maraquito, in a coldblooded manner, "that Emilia made it
+worse"--here Caranby shuddered and Maraquito laughed--"oh, my aunt was
+not a woman to stick at trifles. She insisted on changing dresses with
+the dead.  It was the workmen's dinner-hour and no one was about.  She
+forced Isabella to assist her by threatening to tell the police that
+Isabella had murdered her sister.  As the sisters were on bad terms,
+Isabella knew that she might be accused, and so she held her tongue."
+
+"But she could have accused Emilia."
+
+"Emilia would have denied the accusation.  Moreover, Isabella was
+intimidated by the fierce nature of my aunt."
+
+"A fierce nature, indeed, that would mutilate the dead.  But I do not
+see how Emilia hoped that the substitution would pass undiscovered by
+Selina's friends, to say nothing of her father."
+
+"The idea was that Emilia, as Selina, should go abroad and return to
+England in a few years.  Owing to the unexpected death of Mr. Loach,
+the father, the substitution was easy. You know how Isabella alone
+appeared at the inquest, and how Selina--really my aunt--pretended to
+be sick.  Then the two went abroad and came back; Emilia as Miss Loach
+went to Rose Cottage, and Isabella married Mr. Saxon."
+
+"But why did Emilia take Selina's name and--"
+
+"Because Emilia was in danger of being arrested along with her mother
+and brother for coining.  You could not have saved her. The accident of
+Selina's death--"
+
+"The murder of Selina, you mean."
+
+Maraquito made a gesture of indifference.  "Call it what you like.  It
+happened opportunely however.  It gave Emilia safety, and by
+threatening to denounce Isabella, she stopped her from marrying you."
+
+Caranby looked up.  "Ah! Now I see why Isabella left me alone. She made
+one attempt, however."
+
+"And did not succeed in inducing you to marry her.  But had she
+succeeded, Emilia would have stopped the marriage.  Emilia loved you."
+
+"No," said Caranby coldly, "she loved my title and my name and wealth.
+I never loved her nor she me.  She exercised a kind of hypnotic
+influence over me, and I dare say I would have married her.  But her
+heart I am sure was always in the coining business."
+
+"You are quite right," said Maraquito, looking keenly at him, "though I
+can't guess how you came to think so, seeing you thought my aunt dead.
+Yes, she loved coining.  When I grew up she sent for me and for Daniel
+Saul--"
+
+"Who is he?  Another of your precious family."
+
+"A distant cousin.  You know him best as Hale the lawyer."
+
+"Oh, indeed," said Caranby, considerably surprised, "and what did
+Emilia do with you two?"
+
+"She got us to help her to coin.  We made use of your house. I need not
+tell you how we dug the tunnel and arranged the factory.  Emilia knew
+that you would not disturb the house--"
+
+"I was a sentimental fool.  If I had been wiser you would not have
+carried on your wickedness for so long."
+
+"Oh, we have other factories," said Maraquito coolly, "Jennings has not
+discovered everything.  But your house was certainly an ideal place.  I
+can't understand how Jennings learned about the secret--"
+
+"The entrance.  He learned that from plans left by Maxwell who designed
+the same.  Emilia poisoned him."
+
+"She did--to preserve her secret.  Hale and I thought it was unwise; he
+would have joined us.  But it was all for the best."
+
+"Apparently you think so," returned Caranby, looking at her with
+abhorrence, "seeing you poisoned Tyke in the same way."
+
+"Hale did that and I agreed.  It was necessary," said the woman coldly,
+"but you appear to know all about the matter."
+
+"Jennings has told me everything.  Even to the fact, which he learned
+from Hale that you rang that bell."
+
+"I did.  I knew Juliet Saxon was in the room, and I wished to get her
+arrested.  She left the house and I rang the bell as soon as I could
+get away from Hale, who did not wish me to draw attention to the
+murder.  But Juliet was too far away by that time to be caught."
+
+"Why did you wish to hang the poor girl?"
+
+"Because I loved Cuthbert.  I would have hanged her with pleasure,"
+said Maraquito vindictively.  "I hate her!"
+
+"Then why do you wish to see her to-day?"
+
+"To tell her that I give up your nephew."
+
+"That is not in accordance with the sentiments you expressed now."
+
+Maraquito made a gesture of indifference and made no reply. Caranby now
+began to suspect that she intended harm to Juliet, and wondered if she
+had any weapon about her.  That dangling bag could easily carry a stout
+knife or a neat little revolver.  And Maraquito, as was evident from
+the deaths of Maxwell and Tyke, had no idea of the sacredness of life.
+Caranby wished he had kept Cuthbert at hand to avert any catastrophe.
+He was about to ring and order his servant not to bring Miss Saxon into
+the room when Maraquito roused herself from her reverie.
+
+"Do you wish to know anything further?" she asked.
+
+"No.  I think you have told me everything."
+
+She smiled scornfully.  "I have told you very little.  But for the rest
+of the information you must apply to Mrs. Octagon."
+
+"Ah!  Supposing I wish to learn who killed Emilia?"
+
+"Mrs. Octagon can tell you!" said the woman significantly.
+
+"Do you mean to say--"
+
+"I say nothing.  Emilia came to the factory and went out into the open
+air by another exit to see if anyone was about.  She never returned and
+Hale and I went in search of her.  We found her dead, and--"
+
+"I know all this.  Hale confessed it.  But he does not know who killed
+her.  Do you?"
+
+"I can't say for certain.  But I suspect Mrs. Octagon stabbed her."
+
+"But how could Mrs. Octagon get the knife?"
+
+"Basil got that from Mallow's room.  He gave it to his mother, and--"
+
+"This is all theory," said Caranby angrily, "you have no grounds."
+
+"None at all," replied Maraquito calmly, "but if anyone had a wish to
+kill my aunt, Mrs. Octagon had.  Emilia kept a tight hold over that
+woman, and made her do what she wished."
+
+"About the marriage?"
+
+"Yes, and other things.  I have never been able to understand why Aunt
+Emilia took such a fancy to Cuthbert and that girl. But she certainly
+wished to see them married.  She asked Juliet for a photograph of your
+nephew, and Juliet gave her one.  I took it, and that girl Susan Grant
+stole it from me. It was strange that the photograph should have gone
+back to the cottage.  Aunt and I quarrelled over the marriage.  She
+knew I loved Cuthbert, but she would never help me to marry him.  It
+was all Juliet with her--pah!  I detest the girl. I could do nothing
+while Emilia lived.  She knew too much. But after her death I made Mrs.
+Octagon stop the marriage."
+
+"I think Mrs. Octagon will consent now," said Caranby, calmly.
+
+"I doubt it.  She hates you too much.  However, she can, for all I
+care, Lord Caranby.  I have done with Cuthbert."
+
+The old man hoped she had done with Juliet also, for he was still
+uneasy.  The expression of her face was most malignant. More than ever
+persuaded that she intended harm, Caranby again was about to summon his
+servant and forbid the entrance of the expected girl, when suddenly the
+door opened and Juliet; looking bright and happy, entered.  She started
+back when she saw the supposed old woman, who rose.  Caranby jumped off
+the sofa with an activity he had not shown for years, and got between
+Juliet and her enemy.  Maraquito burst into tears. "Ah, you will be
+happy with Cuthbert," she wailed, "while I-" a fresh burst of tears
+stopped her speech and she groped in the satin bag for her handkerchief.
+
+Juliet looked amazed.  "Who is this, Lord Caranby?"
+
+"Senora Gredos."
+
+"Maraquito!" cried Juliet, starting back with an indignant look.  "I
+never expected to meet that woman--"
+
+"You call me that?" cried Maraquito, flashing, up into a passion.  "I
+am the woman Cuthbert loves."
+
+"He does not.  He loves me.  You, so old and--"
+
+"Old!" shrieked Maraquito, snatching off her hat and cap.  "I am young
+and much more beautiful than you.  Look at my hair." It came streaming
+down in a glorious mass on her shoulders. "My face is as beautiful as
+yours.  I disguised myself to see you.  I hate you!--I loathe you!  I
+forbid you to marry Cuthbert."
+
+"How dare you--how dare--"
+
+"I dare all things--even this." Maraquito raised her arm, and in her
+hand Caranby saw a small bottle she had taken out of the bag.  "What
+will Cuthbert say to your beauty now?"
+
+She flung the bottle straight at Juliet.  It would have struck her in
+the face, but Caranby, throwing himself between the two, received it
+fair on his cheek.  It smashed, and he uttered a cry.  "Vitriol!
+Vitriol!" he shrieked, his hands to his face, and fell prone on the
+hearth-rug.  His head struck against the bars of the grate, and a spurt
+of flame caught his hair.  Juliet seized him and dragged him away,
+calling loudly for help.
+
+"You devil--you devil!" cried Maraquito, striking the girl on the face.
+"I dare not stay now.  But I'll spoil your beauty yet.  Wait--wait!"
+
+She hastily put on her hat and ran out of the room.  The servant of
+Lord Caranby burst into the room, followed by some waiters.  "Send for
+the doctor," cried Juliet, trying to raise Caranby--"and that woman-"
+
+"She has left the hotel," said a waiter, but at this moment there was a
+loud shout in the street, followed by a shriek and a crash.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+NEMESIS
+
+
+In the midst of the confusion caused by Maraquito's wickedness Cuthbert
+arrived.  Juliet flew to him at once and flung herself sobbing into his
+arms.
+
+"Oh, Cuthbert--Cuthbert!" she cried, her head on his shoulder, "that
+woman has been here.  She tried to throw vitriol at me, and the bottle
+broke on Lord Caranby's face. He has burnt his head also; he is dying."
+
+"Good heavens!" cried Mallow, pressing her to his heart, "thank God you
+are safe!  How did Maraquito come here?"
+
+"I don't know--I don't know," sobbed Juliet, completely unstrung; "he
+asked me to see him, and she arrived disguised as an old woman.  Oh,
+where is the doctor!"
+
+"He has just arrived, miss.  Here he comes," said an excited waiter.
+
+While the doctor examined Caranby's injuries, Cuthbert, very pale, led
+Juliet out of the room, and taking her into an adjoining apartment,
+made her drink a glass of port wine.  "An old woman," he repeated, "it
+must have been the disguised Maraquito then who was killed."
+
+"Killed!  She is not killed.  She came here and--"
+
+Juliet began to tell the story over again, for she was badly
+frightened.  Mallow interrupted her gently.
+
+"Maraquito is dead," he said, "she was run over by a motor-car a
+quarter of an hour ago."
+
+"Was that her cry we heard?"
+
+"I don't know," replied Cuthbert gloomily.  "I was coming round the
+corner of the street and saw a woman flying along the pavement.  A car
+was tearing towards me.  I had just time to see the woman as she passed
+and note that she was old.  She caught a glimpse of my face, and with a
+cry ran into the centre of the street.  I never thought she was
+Maraquito, and could not understand why she acted as she did.  I cried
+out in alarm, and ran forward to drag her back from before the
+approaching motor.  But it was too late, the car went over her and she
+shrieked when crushed under the wheels.  The impediment made the car
+swerve and it ran into a lamp-post. The occupants were thrown out.  I
+fancy someone else is hurt also.  Maraquito is dead.  I heard a
+policeman say so.  I then saw a waiter gesticulating at the door of the
+hotel, and fancied something was wrong; I ran along and up the stairs.
+But I never expected to find you here, Juliet, much less to witness the
+death of that wretched woman."
+
+"I am sorry," faltered Juliet, as she sat with his arms round her, "I
+don't know why she wanted to throw vitriol at me.  She failed to hurt
+me, and I think she has killed Lord Caranby, and--"
+
+"I must see to my uncle," said Mallow, rising, "stay here, Juliet."
+
+"No! no," she said, clinging to him, "let me go home.  Get a cab.  I
+dare not stop.  That terrible woman--"
+
+"She will never hurt you again.  She is dead."
+
+"I wish to go home--I wish to go home."
+
+Mallow saw that the poor girl was quite ill with fright; and small
+wonder, considering the catastrophe of the last half hour.  To have
+vitriol thrown is bad enough, but when the act leads to two deaths--for
+Maraquito was already dead, and it seemed probable that Lord Caranby
+would follow--it is enough to shake the nerves of the strongest.
+Mallow took Juliet down and placed her in a cab.  Then he promised to
+see her that same evening, and to tell her of Lord Caranby's progress.
+When the cab drove away he went again upstairs.  As he went he could
+not help shuddering at the thought of the danger from which Juliet had
+escaped.  He remembered how Maraquito had threatened to spoil the
+beauty of the girl, but he never thought she would have held to her
+devilish purpose. Moreover, he could not understand how Maraquito in
+disguise came to see Caranby.  The disguise itself was an obvious
+necessity to escape the police.  But why should she have been with his
+uncle and why should Juliet have come also?  It was to gain an answer
+to these questions that Cuthbert hurried to the sitting-room.
+
+Lord Caranby was no longer there.  The doctor had ordered him to be
+taken to his bedroom, and when Mallow went thither he met him at the
+door, "He is still unconscious," said the doctor, "I must send for his
+regular medical attendant, as I was only called in as an emergency
+physician."
+
+"Is he very ill?"
+
+"I think the shock will kill him.  He is extremely weak, and besides
+the shock of the vitriol being thrown, he has sustained severe injuries
+about the head from fire.  I don't think he will live.  To whom am I
+speaking?" asked the young man.
+
+"My name is Mallow.  I am Lord Caranby's nephew."
+
+"And the next heir to the title.  I fancy you will be called `my lord'
+before midnight."
+
+Mallow did not display any pleasure on hearing this.  He valued a title
+very little and, so far as money was concerned, had ample for his
+needs.  Besides, he was really fond of his uncle who, although
+consistently eccentric, had always been a kind, good friend.  "Will he
+recover consciousness?"
+
+"I think so," said the doctor doubtfully, "I am not quite sure.  His
+own medical attendant, knowing his constitution and its resisting
+power, will be able to speak more assuredly. How did this happen?"
+
+Cuthbert, for obvious reasons, explained as little as he could.  "Some
+old woman came to see my uncle and threw vitriol at Miss Saxon, the
+young lady who was with him.  He intercepted the stuff and fell into
+the fire."
+
+"What a demon!  I hope she will be caught."
+
+"She is dead," and Cuthbert related the accident in the street.  The
+doctor had strong nerves, but he shuddered when he heard the dreadful
+story.  Nemesis had been less leaden-footed than usual.
+
+In due time Dr. Yeo, who usually attended Caranby, made his appearance
+and stated that his patient would not live many hours.  "He was always
+weak," said Yeo, "and of late his weakness increased.  The two severe
+shocks he has sustained would almost kill a stronger man, let alone an
+old man of so delicate an organization.  He will die."
+
+"I hope not," said Cuthbert, impulsively.
+
+The physician looked at him benignly.  "I differ from you," he
+declared, "death will come as a happy release to Lord Caranby. For
+years he has been suffering from an incurable complaint which gave him
+great pain.  But that he had so much courage, he would have killed
+himself."
+
+"He never complained."
+
+"A brave man like that never does complain.  Besides, he took great
+care of himself.  When he came back to London he was fairly well.  I
+think he must have done something rash to bring on a recurrence of his
+illness.  Within a few days of his arrival he grew sick again.  In some
+way he over-exerted himself."
+
+"I don't think he ever did," said Mallow, doubtfully.
+
+"But I am certain of it.  Within a week of his arrival here he had a
+relapse.  I taxed him with going out too much and with over-exertion,
+but he declined to answer me."
+
+"Will he become conscious again?"
+
+"I think so, in a few hours, but I cannot be sure.  However, you need
+not be alarmed, Mr. Mallow.  His affairs are all right.  In view of his
+illness I advised him to make his will. He said that he had done so,
+and that everything was in apple-pie order."
+
+"It is not that, doctor.  I wish to ask him some questions. Will you
+remain here?"
+
+"Till the end," replied Yeo, significantly; "but it will not take place
+for a few hours, so far as I can see."
+
+"I wish to go out for an hour.  Can I, with safety?"
+
+"Certainly.  Lord Caranby will live for some time yet."
+
+Mallow nodded and left the bedroom, while Yeo returned to the bed upon
+which lay the unconscious form of the old man. Cuthbert took a walk to
+the end of the street where the wreckage of the motor car had now been
+removed, and asked the policeman what had become of the victims.  He
+was informed that the chauffeur, in a dying condition, had been removed
+to the Charing Cross Hospital, and that the body of the old woman--so
+the constable spoke--had been taken to the police station near at hand.
+"She's quite dead and very much smashed up," was the man's report.
+
+Mallow thanked him with half-a-crown and, having learned the
+whereabouts of the police station, he went there.  He introduced
+himself to the inspector and, as the nephew of Lord Caranby, received
+every attention, particularly when he described how the vitriol had
+been thrown.  Cuthbert thought it as well to say this, as the waiters
+at the Avon Hotel would certainly inform the police if he did not.  He
+looked at the body of the miserable woman in its strange mask of age.
+"She went to see Lord Caranby in disguise," said the inspector, "you
+can see her face is made up.  Does his lordship know who she is?"
+
+"Yes.  And Mr. Jennings, the detective, knows also."
+
+"Perhaps you do yourself, Mr. Mallow?"
+
+Cuthbert nodded.  "She is Maraquito, the--"
+
+"What! the gambling-house coiner we have been looking for?"
+
+"The same.  Jennings can tell you more about the matter than I can."
+
+"I'll get Mr. Jennings to come here as soon as he is on his feet, and
+that will be to-morrow most probably.  But why did Maraquito throw
+vitriol at Lord Caranby?"
+
+"Jennings can tell you that," said Mallow, suppressing the fact that
+the vitriol had been meant for Juliet.  "Perhaps it had something to do
+with the raid made on the unfinished house which, you know, belonged to
+my uncle."
+
+"Bless me, so it did.  I expect, enraged by the factory being
+discovered, Maraquito wished to revenge herself on your uncle. She may
+have thought that he gave information to Jennings about the place."
+
+"She might have thought so," said Mallow.  "I am returning to the Avon
+Hotel.  If you want to see me you can send for me there.  But Jennings
+knows everything."
+
+"What about his lordship?"
+
+"He will die," said Cuthbert abruptly, and departed, leaving the
+inspector full of regrets that Maraquito had not lived to figure in the
+police court.  He looked at the matter purely from a professional
+standpoint, and would have liked the sensation such an affair would
+have caused.
+
+When Mallow came back to the hotel he found that his uncle had
+recovered consciousness and was asking for him.  Yeo would not allow
+his patient to talk much, so Cuthbert sat by the bedside holding the
+hand of the dying man.  Caranby had been badly burnt about the temples,
+and the sight of one eye was completely gone.  Occasionally Yeo gave
+him a reviving cordial which made him feel better.  Towards evening
+Caranby expressed a wish to talk.  The doctor would have prevented him,
+but the dying man disregarded these orders.
+
+"I must talk," he whispered faintly.  "Cuthbert, get a sheet of paper."
+
+"But you have made your will," said Yeo, rebukingly.
+
+"This is not a will.  It is a confession.  Cuthbert will write it out
+and you will witness my signature along with him, Yeo."
+
+"A confession!" murmured Cuthbert, going out of the room to get pen,
+ink and paper.  "What about?"
+
+He soon knew, for when he was established by the side of the bed with
+his writing materials on a small table, Caranby laughed to himself
+quietly.  "Do you know what I am about to say?" he gasped.
+
+"No.  If it is nothing important you had better not exhaust yourself."
+
+"It is most important, as you will hear.  I know who murdered the
+supposed Miss Loach."
+
+Cuthbert nearly dropped the pen.  "Who was it?" he asked, expecting to
+hear the name of Mrs. Octagon.
+
+"I did!" said Caranby, quietly.
+
+"You!--that's impossible."
+
+"Unfortunately it is true.  It was an accident, though.  Yeo, give me
+more drink; I must tell everything."
+
+Yeo was quite calm.  He had known Caranby for many years, and was not
+at all disposed to shrink from him because he confessed to having
+committed a murder.  He knew that the Earl was a kind-hearted man and
+had been shamefully treated by three women.  In fact, he was secretly
+glad to hear that Emilia Saul had met her death at the hand of a man
+she had injured.  But he kept these sentiments to himself, and after
+giving his patient a strong tonic to revive his energies, he sat by the
+bedside with his fingers on the pulse of the dying man.  Caranby
+rallied considerably, and when he began his recital spoke in stronger
+tones.
+
+Cuthbert dipped his pen in the ink, but did not dare even to think.  He
+was wondering how the death of Emilia had come about, and also how his
+uncle had gone to the unfinished house on the same night as he had
+done.  Remembering how Basil stated he had been chased by someone
+unknown, Cuthbert began to fancy he saw light.  However, at this moment
+Caranby began to speak, and as every moment was precious, both men
+forbore to interrupt him unless desirous to have a clearer
+understanding on certain points.
+
+"When I came back to England," said Caranby, "I never thought that
+Emilia was alive.  Owing to the clever way in which the substitution
+was effected by Isabella, I always thought Selina lived at Rose
+Cottage.  Several times I tried to see her, hoping she would marry me.
+But she always refused.  I was puzzled at the time, but now I know the
+reason.  I never thought of looking at the unfinished house.  It was a
+piece of sentimental folly my shutting it up, but afterwards, as time
+slipped by, I never troubled about looking into the matter. As Cuthbert
+will tell you, Yeo, laziness is a vice with me."
+
+"Go on with the story and save your strength," said Yeo softly.
+
+"Yes."  Caranby heaved a sigh. "I haven't much left.  Well, Cuthbert,
+you told me about the ghosts supposed to be haunting the house.  I
+asked you to go down and see.  You came here one night and left at
+eight o'clock to go down to Rexton."
+
+"I never expected you to follow.  Why did you not come with me?"
+
+"Because I was keeping something back from you.  On the previous day I
+received a letter.  There was no name to it, and the writing was
+disguised.  It advised me to see Selina Loach, and said I would be
+surprised when she spoke to me."
+
+"Because then you would recognize the woman you believed to be dead."
+
+"Exactly," said Caranby faintly, "but at the time I knew nothing, and
+was much puzzled with the letter.  On that night I intended to tell
+you, but I did not.  Then I thought I would go down to Rose Cottage and
+prove the truth of the letter.  I went almost immediately after you,
+Cuthbert."
+
+"What, in your state of health?"
+
+"Yes.  I was stronger then."
+
+"And have been less strong since," murmured Yeo.  "I understand now why
+you refused to tell me how you had over-exerted yourself."
+
+"I had my secret to keep," said Caranby coldly, "some more drink,
+please."  Then, when he felt better, he continued "Yes! I was
+wonderfully well and strong on that night.  I climbed the wall--"
+
+"Impossible!" said Mallow, "I can't believe that."
+
+"Nevertheless it is the truth.  I expect the excitement made me
+unnaturally strong.  I suffered greatly when it was over."
+
+"You were a wreck," said the physician bluntly.
+
+"When what was over?" asked Mallow, anxiously.
+
+"The event of the night to which I am coming.  It took me some time to
+get to Rexton, and a long time to walk to the unfinished house.  I did
+not go down Crooked Lane, but round by the wall."
+
+"Did you come by the railway station path?"
+
+"I did not.  I took a wide detour and arrived at the unfinished house
+on the side opposite to where Rose Cottage stood."
+
+"Ah!" murmured the young man.  "No wonder I missed you.  But I thought
+you were calling on Miss Loach."
+
+"I intended to, but first I thought I would assure myself about the
+ghosts.  Certainly I had set you to perform that task, but, as I was on
+the spot, I determined to see for myself.  I climbed the wall, not
+without difficulty, and found myself in the park--"
+
+"About what time was this?"
+
+"After ten.  I can't say how long.  But I really cannot be precise as
+to the time.  I wandered aimlessly about the park, threading my way
+amongst the trees and shrubs and undergrowth. I was astonished to find
+paths, and it struck me that someone used the park."
+
+"I believe Miss Loach did--that is, Emilia," said Cuthbert. "Jennings
+learned that in some way.  She always was on the watch for anyone
+coming into the park and learning the secret of the factory."
+
+"I did not know that at the time," said Caranby, his voice growing
+weaker.  "Well, I walked about.  Sometimes it was moonlight and at
+other times the moon would be obscured by clouds.  I struggled to get
+near the house and succeeded. Then I saw a man standing in the shadow.
+At once I went up to him--he fled.  I don't know who it was?"
+
+"I can tell you," said Mallow, quietly, "young Saxon."
+
+"Then why did he fly?"
+
+"He was there with no very good purpose and his conscience smote the
+miserable creature," said Cuthbert, "go on--or will you wait?"
+
+"No! no! no!" said Caranby, vehemently; "if I stop now you will never
+know the truth.  I don't want anyone else to be accused of the crime.
+I know Maraquito hinted that Isabella Octagon was guilty, but she is
+not.  I don't want even Isabella to suffer, though she has been a fatal
+woman to me and wrecked my life's happiness."
+
+His voice was growing so weak that Yeo gave him more cordial. After a
+pause Caranby resumed with a last effort, and very swiftly, as though
+he thought his strength would fail him before he reached the end of his
+dismal story.
+
+"I followed the man, though I did not know who he was, and wondered why
+he should be trespassing.  He fled rapidly and I soon lost him.  But
+when the moonlight was bright I saw that he had dropped a knife from
+his pocket.  In stooping to pick it up I lost sight of the man."
+
+"Basil crossed the park and ran away.  But he came back for the knife
+afterwards," explained Mallow.  "Juliet saw him.  He had on my coat.  I
+wonder you didn't think Basil was me, as Juliet did."
+
+"I am not acquainted with your clothes," said Caranby, dryly, "as I
+have been absent from England for so long.  But no wonder Saxon did not
+find the knife.  I picked it up.  It was a bowie--"
+
+"Belonging to me, which Basil had stolen."
+
+"I didn't know that either.  Well, I went again towards the wall
+surrounding the park.  I thought I might meet you."
+
+"I wonder you didn't.  I was about at that time."
+
+"The park was so thickly filled with trees and shrubs that we missed
+one another I suppose.  Don't interrupt--I am going. Write quickly,
+Cuthbert."  Then with a gasp Caranby resumed: "I halted to get breath
+near the large oak which the fire spared.  I heard a rustling, and a
+woman came out of the shadow of the tree.  I wondered who she was and
+where she had come from.  The moon then came out brightly, and I
+recognized her face with a sensation almost of terror.  It was Emilia."
+
+"How did you recognize her after all these years?"
+
+"By her Jewish look, and especially by the eyebrows. Moreover, she
+revealed herself to me when dying."
+
+"What happened?" asked Yeo, sharply.
+
+"I was standing with the knife in my hand.  Emilia, seeing that I was
+an intruder, came swiftly towards me.  She had a revolver in her hand
+but did not fire.  She cried out something and rushed at me.  In doing
+this she came straight against the knife.  I was holding it
+instinctively in an attitude of defence, with the point outward.  She
+rushed at me to bear me down by the weight and force of her charge, and
+the next moment she dropped to the ground dying."
+
+"She was not dead then?"
+
+"No! not for the moment.  I knelt beside her and whispered 'Emilia!'
+She opened her eyes and smiled.  Then she replied, 'Emilia--yes!' and
+died.  I did not know what to do.  Then it struck me that I might be
+arrested for the crime, though it really was no crime.  Had she not
+rushed at me, had I not been holding the knife, she would not have met
+with her death.  I wonder she did not fire, seeing she had a pistol."
+
+"Perhaps she recognized you," said Yeo, glancing at Cuthbert, who was
+writing rapidly.
+
+"No.  Had she done so, she would never have attempted to hurt me.  She
+thought I was some spy searching for the factory, and without giving
+herself time to think dashed forward, believing I would give way and
+fly.  It was all over in a second.  I made up my mind to go at once.  I
+did not even wait to pick up the knife, but climbed the wall and came
+home here.  What happened then I don't know."
+
+"I can tell you," said Mallow.  "Maraquito and Hale came to look for
+Miss Loach and took her body into the villa sitting-room.  They placed
+the knife at her feet and the cards in her lap, thinking it would be
+thought she had been stabbed in the room, and--"
+
+"Sign, sign!" said Caranby, unexpectedly, and Mallow hastily brought
+him the written document and the ink.  He signed feebly, and the two
+men signed as witnesses.  Yeo then turned to his patient, but he drew
+back.  Death was stamped on the face.
+
+Cuthbert called in the servant.  "Lord Caranby is dead," he said
+quietly.
+
+"Yes, my lord," replied the servant, and Mallow started on hearing the
+title.  But he was now Lord Caranby and his uncle was dead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+CUTHBERT'S ENEMY
+
+
+Before leaving the death-chamber, Mallow--now Lord Caranby--sealed the
+confession in the presence of Yeo, and went with him into the
+sitting-room.  "What will you do with that?" asked the doctor,
+indicating the envelope with a nod.
+
+"I shall place it in the hand of my lawyers to be put with family
+papers," replied Cuthbert.  "I am sure you agree with me, Yeo, that it
+is unnecessary to make the contents public. My uncle is dead."
+
+"Even were he still alive, I should advise you to say nothing," replied
+Yeo, grimly; "the woman deserved her fate, even though it was an
+accident.  She destroyed Caranby's life. He would have married Selina
+Loach and have been a happy man but for her."
+
+"There I think you wrong her.  It is Isabella Octagon who is to blame.
+She has indeed been a fatal woman to my poor uncle. But for her, he
+would not have been prevented from marrying Selina and thus have fallen
+into the toils of Emilia.  Emilia would not have murdered Selina, and
+the result would not have come out after all these years in the death
+of my uncle at the hands of Bathsheba Saul."
+
+"Who is she?"
+
+"Maraquito.  But you don't know the whole story, nor do I think there
+is any need to repeat the sordid tragedy.  I will put this paper away
+and say nothing about it to anyone save to Jennings."
+
+"The detective!" said Yeo, surprised and startled.  "Do you think that
+is wise?  He may make the matter public."
+
+"No, he won't.  He has traced the coiners to their lair, and that is
+enough glory for him.  When he knows the truth he will stop searching
+further into the case.  If I hold my tongue, he may go on, and make
+awkward discoveries."
+
+"Yes, I see it is best you should tell him.  But Miss Saxon?"
+
+"She shall never know.  Let her think Maraquito killed Emilia. Only
+you, I and Jennings will know the truth."
+
+"You can depend upon my silence," said Yeo, shaking Cuthbert by the
+hand; "well, and what will you do now?"
+
+"With your permission, I shall ask you to stop here and arrange about
+necessary matters in connection with the laying-out of the body.  I
+wish to interview Mrs. Octagon this evening.  To-morrow I shall see
+about Caranby's remains being taken down to our family seat in Essex."
+
+"There will be an inquest first."
+
+"I don't mind.  Maraquito is dead and nothing detrimental to the honor
+of the Mallows can transpire.  You need say nothing at the inquest as
+to the bottle being thrown at Juliet."
+
+"I'll do my best.  But she will be questioned."
+
+"I intend to see her this evening myself."
+
+"What about Mrs. Octagon?"
+
+"Oh," said the new Lord Caranby with a grim smile, "I intend to settle
+Mrs. Octagon once and for all."
+
+"Surely you don't intend to tell her of the murder."
+
+"Certainly not.  She would make the matter public at once. But her
+knowledge of the real name of Emilia, and her hushing up of the murder
+of her sister, will be quite enough to bring her to her knees.  I don't
+intend that Juliet shall have anything more to do with her mother.  But
+I'll say very little."
+
+After this Cuthbert departed and took a hansom to the "Shrine of the
+Muses."  He arrived there at ten o'clock, and was informed by the
+butler that Miss Saxon was in bed with a headache, and that Mrs.
+Octagon had given orders that Mr. Mallow was not to be admitted.  Basil
+was out, and Mr. Octagon likewise.  Cuthbert listened quietly, and then
+gave the man, whom he knew well, half a sovereign.  "Tell Mrs. Octagon
+that Lord Caranby wishes to see her."
+
+"Yes, sir, but I don't--"
+
+"I am Lord Caranby.  My uncle died this evening."
+
+The butler opened his eyes.  "Yes, m'lord," he said promptly, and
+admitted Cuthbert into the hall.  "I suppose I needn't say it is really
+you, m'lord," he remarked, when the visitor was seated in the
+drawing-room, "I am afraid the mistress will be angry."
+
+"Don't trouble about that, Somes.  Tell her Lord Caranby is here," and
+the butler, bursting to tell the news in the servants' hall, went away
+in a great hurry.
+
+Cuthbert remained seated near the table on which stood an electric
+lamp.  He had the confession in his pocket, and smiled to think how
+glad Mrs. Octagon would be to read it. However, he had quite enough
+evidence to force her into decent behavior.  He did not intend to leave
+that room till he had Mrs. Octagon's free consent to the marriage and a
+promise that she would go abroad for an indefinite period with her
+hopeful son, Basil.  In this way Cuthbert hoped to get rid of these
+undesirable relatives and to start his married life in peace. "Nothing
+less than exile will settle matters," he muttered.
+
+Mrs. Octagon, in a gorgeous tea-gown, swept into the room with a frown
+on her strongly-marked face.  She looked rather like Maraquito, and
+apparently was in a bad temper.  Mallow could see that she was
+surprised when she entered, as, thinking Lord Caranby was incapacitated
+by the accident described by Juliet, she did not know how he came to
+call at so late an hour. Moreover, Lord Caranby had never visited her
+before.  However, she apparently was bent on receiving him in a tragic
+manner, and swept forward with the mien of a Siddons.  When she came
+into the room she caught sight of Cuthbert's face in the blaze of the
+lamp and stopped short.  "How--" she said in her deepest tone, and then
+became prosaic and very angry.  "What is the meaning of this, Mr.
+Mallow?  I hoped to see--"
+
+"My uncle.  I know you did.  But he is dead."
+
+Mrs. Octagon caught at a chair to stop herself from falling, and wiped
+away a tear.  "Dead!" she muttered, and dropped on to the sofa.
+
+"He died two hours ago.  I am now Lord Caranby."
+
+"You won't grace the position," said Mrs. Octagon viciously, and then
+her face became gloomy.  "Dead!--Walter Mallow. Ah!  I loved him so."
+
+"You had a strange way of showing it then," said Cuthbert, calmly, and
+he also took a seat.
+
+Mrs. Octagon immediately rose.  "I forbid you to sit down in my house,
+Lord Caranby.  We are strangers."
+
+"Oh, no, we aren't, Mrs. Octagon.  I came here to arrange matters."
+
+"What matters?" she asked disdainfully, and apparently certain he had
+nothing against her.
+
+"Matters connected with my marriage with Juliet."
+
+"Miss Saxon, if you please.  She shall never marry you."
+
+"Oh, yes, she will.  What is your objection to the marriage?"
+
+"I refuse to tell you," said Mrs. Octagon violently, and then somewhat
+inconsistently went on:
+
+"If you must know, I hated your uncle."
+
+"You said you loved him just now."
+
+"And so I did," cried the woman, spreading out her arms, "I loved him
+intensely.  I would have placed the hair of my head under his feet.
+But he was never worthy of me.  He loved Selina, a poor, weak, silly
+fool.  But I stopped that marriage," she ended triumphantly, "as I will
+stop yours."
+
+"I don't think you will stop mine," replied Cuthbert tranquilly, "I am
+not to be coerced, Mrs. Octagon."
+
+"I don't seek to coerce you," she retorted, "but my daughter will obey
+me, and she will refuse your hand.  I don't care if you are fifty times
+Lord Caranby.  Juliet should not marry you if you had all the money in
+the world.  I hated Walter Mallow, your uncle.  He treated me
+shamefully, and I swore that never would any child of mine be connected
+with him.  Selina wished it, and forced me to agree while she was
+alive.  But she is dead and Lord Caranby is dead, and you can do
+nothing.  I defy you--I defy you!"
+
+"We may as well conduct this interview reasonably."
+
+"I shall not let you remain here any longer.  Go."
+
+She pointed to the door with a dramatic gesture.  Cuthbert took up his
+hat.
+
+"I shall go if you insist," he said, moving towards the door, "and I
+shall return with a policeman."
+
+Mrs. Octagon gave a gasp and went gray.  "What do you mean?"
+
+"You know well what I mean.  Am I to go?"
+
+"You have nothing against me," she said violently, "stop, if you will,
+and tell me the reason of that speech."
+
+"I think you understand what I mean perfectly well," said Mallow again,
+and returning to his seat.  "I know that your sister died years ago,"
+Mrs. Octagon gasped, "and that Emilia feigned to be Selina Loach.  And
+perhaps, Mrs. Octagon, you will remember how your sister died."
+
+"I didn't touch her," gasped Mrs. Octagon, trembling.
+
+"No, but Emilia Saul did, and you condoned the crime."
+
+"I deny everything!  Go and get a policeman if you like."
+
+Cuthbert walked to the door and there turned.  "The statement of Emilia
+will make pleasant reading in court," he said.
+
+Mrs. Octagon bounded after him and pulled him back by the coat-tails
+into the centre of the room.  Then she locked the door and sat down.
+"We won't be disturbed," she said, wiping her face upon which the
+perspiration stood, "what do you know?"
+
+"Everything, even to that letter you wrote to my uncle, stating he
+should see the pretended Selina Loach."
+
+This was a chance shot on Mallow's part, but it told, for he saw her
+face change.  In fact, Mrs. Octagon was the only woman who could have
+sent the letter.  She did not attempt to deny it.  "I sent that letter,
+as I was weary of that woman's tyranny.  I thought it would get her
+into trouble."
+
+"She would have got you into trouble also.  Suppose she had lived and
+had told the story of Selina's death."
+
+"She would have put the rope round her own neck," said Mrs. Octagon in
+a hollow tone, all her theatrical airs gone.  "I was a fool to wait so
+long.  For twenty years that woman has held me under her thumb.  It was
+Emilia that made me consent to your engagement to Juliet.  Otherwise,"
+she added malevolently, "I should have died rather than have consented.
+Oh," she shook her hands in the air, "how I hate you and your uncle and
+the whole of the Mallows."
+
+"A woman scorned, I see," said Cuthbert, rather cruelly, "well, you
+must be aware that I know everything."
+
+"You don't know who killed Emilia?"
+
+"Maraquito said it was you."
+
+"I" shrieked Mrs. Octagon, "how dare she?  But that she is dead, as
+Juliet told me, I would have her up for libel. Maraquito herself killed
+the woman.  I am sure of it.  That coining factory--"
+
+"Did you know of its existence?"
+
+"No, I didn't," snapped Mrs. Octagon.  "I knew nothing of Emilia's
+criminal doings.  I let her bear the name of my sister--"
+
+"Why?" asked Mallow, quickly, and not knowing what Maraquito had said
+to Caranby.
+
+"I don't know," replied Mrs. Octagon, sullenly, "Emilia was in some
+trouble with the law.  Her brother and mother were afterwards arrested
+for coining.  She might have been arrested also, but that I agreed to
+hold my tongue.  Emilia pushed Selina off the plank.  Then she turned
+and accused me.  As it was known that I was on bad terms with Selina, I
+might have been accused of the crime, and Emilia would have sworn the
+rope round my neck.  Emilia made me help her to change the dress, and
+said that as the face of the dead was disfigured, and she was rather
+like Selina--which she certainly was, she could arrange.  I did not
+know how she intended to blind my father.  But my father died
+unexpectedly.  Had he not done so, the deception could not have been
+kept up.  As it was, I went to the inquest, and Emilia as Selina
+pretended to be ill.  I saw after her and we had a strange doctor.
+Then we went abroad, and she came back to shut herself up in Rose
+Cottage. I tried to marry Caranby, but Emilia stopped that."
+
+"Why did she?"
+
+"Because she loved Caranby in her tiger way.  That was why she insisted
+you should marry Juliet.  She always threatened to tell that I had
+killed Selina, though I was innocent."
+
+"If you were, why need you have been afraid?"
+
+"Circumstances were too strong for me," said Mrs. Octagon, wiping her
+dry lips and glaring like a demon.  "I had to give in.  Had I known of
+that factory I would have spoken out.  As it was, I wrote to Caranby
+when in a fit of rage; but afterwards I was afraid of what I had done,
+as I thought Emilia would tell."
+
+"She certainly would have done so had she not died so opportunely."
+
+"Do you mean to say that I killed her?  I tell you, Maraquito did so."
+
+"What makes you think that?" asked Mallow, delighted at the mistake.
+
+"Because she was always fighting with Emilia about you. Maraquito
+wished to marry you, and Emilia would not let her. After Emilia died,
+Maraquito saw me, and we arranged to stop the marriage, and--"
+
+"I know all about that.  I saw you--or rather my uncle saw you--enter
+Maraquito's Soho house."
+
+"I went on Basil's account also," said Mrs. Octagon, sullenly,
+"however, I have told you all.  What do you wish to do?"
+
+"I wish to marry Juliet."
+
+"Then I refuse," said Mrs. Octagon, savagely.
+
+"In that case I'll tell."
+
+"You will disgrace Juliet.  Besides, the law can't touch me."
+
+"I am not so sure of that.  You were an accessory after the fact.  And
+if the public knew that you had acquiesced in the death of your sister
+and had held your tongue for years, you would not be popular.  I fear
+your books would not sell then."
+
+Mrs. Octagon saw all this, and glared savagely at Cuthbert. She would
+have liked to kill him, but he was the stronger of the two, and knew
+much which she wished kept silent.  Mallow saw the impression he was
+making and went on persuasively. "And think, Mrs. Octagon, Juliet can
+give you up the six thousand a year--"
+
+"Not she," laughed Mrs. Octagon, sneering.
+
+"She will, at my request.  I don't want my wife to possess money made
+out of coining.  The income will be made over to you by deed of gift."
+
+"Six thousand a year," mused the lady, "and you will hold your tongue?"
+
+"Of course, for Juliet's sake as well as for yours.  But I think it
+will be advisable for you to travel for a few years."
+
+"I'll take up my abode in America forever," said Mrs. Octagon, rising,
+"do you think I'll stop here and see you my daughter's husband?  Not
+for all the money in the world.  Besides, Mr. Octagon has been insolent
+over money, and I sha'n't stay with him.  Basil and myself will go to
+America and there we will become famous."
+
+"It is certainly better than becoming famous in another way," said
+Mallow, dryly, "you will, of course be quite amiable to Juliet.  Also
+to me, in public."
+
+"Oh," she replied, with a short laugh, "I'll kiss you if you like."
+
+"There is no need to go so far.  I am sorry for you."
+
+"And I hate you--hate you!  Leave me now at least.  You can come
+to-morrow, and I'll consent publicly to the marriage. But I hope you
+will both be miserable.  Juliet does not love me or she would despise
+you.  I wish you had died along with your uncle."
+
+She was becoming so wild in her looks that Cuthbert thought it best to
+leave the room.  The key was in the door, so he departed, quite sure
+that Mrs. Octagon, to avoid scandal about her shady doings, would be
+most agreeable towards him in public, however much of a demon she might
+be in private.  Thus ended the interview.
+
+Next morning Mallow drove to Jennings and related everything, including
+the confession of Caranby regarding the accident, and added details of
+the interview with Mrs. Octagon. Jennings listened, astonished.
+
+"I am glad you told me," he said, "of course I don't want you to make
+all this public.  The general impression is the same as that of Mrs.
+Octagon, that Maraquito murdered Miss Loach. It need not be known that
+Emilia was masquerading under a false name.  She need not be brought
+into the case at all. What a wonderful case, Mallow."
+
+Cuthbert assented.  "It's more like fiction than fact."
+
+"Fact is always like fiction," said Jennings epigrammatically,
+"however, we've got a confession from Clancy about the other factories.
+The whole gang will be caught sooner or later. And, by the way, Mallow,
+on second thoughts, I think it will be best to state the real name of
+Emilia."
+
+"I think so too.  If she is pilloried as Miss Loach, everyone will know
+that she is the aunt of Juliet.  Tell the truth, Jennings."
+
+"We'll tell everything, save that Lord Caranby inadvertently murdered
+that woman.  She was the fatal woman--"
+
+"No," said the new Lord Caranby, "Mrs. Octagon is the fatal woman.  She
+was at the bottom of everything."
+
+"And has been rewarded with six thousand a year.  I don't suppose the
+State can seize that money.  However, I'll see.  I should like to
+punish Isabella Octagon in some way.  And Susan Grant?"
+
+"You can give her a thousand pounds on my behalf, and she can marry her
+baker.  Then there's Mrs. Barnes--Mrs. Pill that was.  She is quite
+innocent.  Thomas her husband will be punished, so you had better tell
+her, I'll provide for her. As to yourself--"
+
+"That's all right, Mallow, this coining case means a rise of salary."
+
+"All the same, I intend to give you a few thousands on behalf of myself
+and Juliet.  Without you I would probably have been accused of the
+crime.  And, in any case, things would have been awkward.  There might
+have been a scandal."
+
+"There won't be one now," said Jennings.  "I'll settle everything.
+Mrs. Octagon will go to the States with that young cub, and you can
+make Miss Saxon Lady Caranby.  It is good of you giving me a reward.  I
+can now marry Peggy."
+
+"We all seem to be bent on marriage," said Mallow, rising to take his
+leave.  "How's the shoulder?"
+
+"All right," said the detective, "and it's worth the wound to have
+Peggy nursing me.  She is the dearest--"
+
+"No, pardon me," said Cuthbert, "by no means.  Juliet is the dearest
+girl in the wide world," and he departed laughing.
+
+Needless to say, under the careful supervision of Jennings, all scandal
+was averted.  The gang with Clancy at its head were sentenced to years
+of imprisonment, likely to put a stop to all pranks.  Maraquito was
+buried quietly and Mallow erected a gravestone to her, in spite of her
+wicked designs against Juliet.  In six months Jennings married Peggy
+and took a house at Gunnersbury, where Peggy and he live in the
+congenial company of Le Beau, who has become quite reconciled to
+Jennings' profession.  The old professor teaches dancing to the
+children of the neighborhood.  Susan Grant also married her baker, and
+the two now possess one of the finest shops in Stepney.  Mrs. Octagon
+went to America almost immediately. She managed to keep the six
+thousand a year, in spite of Jennings.  No one knows how she managed to
+do this, but envious people hinted at Government influence.  However,
+with Basil she departed to the States, as she confessed to being weary
+of constant triumphs in England.  Mrs. Octagon now has a literary salon
+in Boston, and is regarded as one of the leading spirits of the age.
+Basil married an heiress.  Peter, weary of playing the part of husband
+to a celebrity, remained in England but not in London.  He sold the
+"Shrine of the Muses" and took a cottage on an estate in Kent belonging
+to Lord Caranby.  Here he cultivates flowers and calls frequently on
+his step-daughter and her husband, when they are in the neighborhood.
+Peter never knew the true history of his wife. He always refers to Mrs.
+Octagon with respect, but shows no disposition to join her in America.
+Peter has had quite enough of sham art and sham enthusiasm.
+
+And Cuthbert was married to Juliet within the year.  The wedding was
+quiet on account of his uncle's death, and then Lord Caranby took his
+bride for a tour round the world.  To this day Lady Caranby believes
+that Maraquito murdered Miss Loach, and knows also from newspaper
+reports that the pretended aunt was really Emilia Saul.  Mrs. Octagon
+also expressed surprise at the infamous imposture, and quite deceived
+Juliet, who never learned what part her mother had taken in the
+business.  In fact Juliet thought her mother was quite glad she had
+married Cuthbert.
+
+"Mother really liked you all the time," she said to her husband when
+they set off on their honeymoon.
+
+"I doubt that," replied Lord Caranby, dryly.
+
+"She told me that it was always the dream of her life to see me your
+wife, but that Maraquito had threatened to ruin Basil if--"
+
+"Oh, that is the story, is it?  Well, Juliet, I am much obliged to Mrs.
+Octagon for loving me so much, but, with your permission, we will not
+see more of her than we can help."
+
+"As she is in America we will see very little of her," sighed Lady
+Caranby, "besides, she loves Basil more than me.  Poor boy, I hope he
+will get on in America."
+
+"Of course he will.  He will marry an heiress--"  And Cuthbert's
+prophecy proved to be correct--"Don't let us talk of these things any
+more, Juliet.  This dreadful murder nearly wrecked our life.  My poor
+uncle talked of a fatal woman. Maraquito was that to us."
+
+"And I?" asked Juliet, nestling to her husband.
+
+"You are the dearest and sweetest angel in the world."
+
+"And you are the greatest goose," said she, kissing her husband fondly,
+"we have had enough of fatal women.  Let us never mention the subject
+again."
+
+And they never did.
+
+
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Secret Passage, by Fergus Hume
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