s
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