the shock," replied the other, "now that the poor
child is buried; there is no use mourning further. I have sent my wife
and family to Brighton and propose to follow myself in a day or so."

"I am lucky to have caught you, then?"

"What? Have you found any clue?"

"I think so. It is connected with the Scarlet Cross."

Morley, who was warming his hands over the fire, looked round eagerly,
and his eyes flashed.

"I thought there was something in that reference. You remember the
letter, Steel?"

"Yes. And I showed it to Mrs. Parry."

"To that meddlesome old woman. Why?"

"It's too long a matter to go into. But it was just as well I did. She
gave me this little ornament."

Morley turned over the enamelled cross and examined it carefully.
"Humph! It is the kind of thing Miss Denham said was worn by her dead
father."

"Exactly. Well, Mr. Morley, either the father is dead as she told you
and that cross was worn by a stranger, or the man who called to see you
here was the father."

"How do you make that out? What do you mean?" said Morley, and his face
exhibited genuine amazement.

For answer Steel related what Mrs. Parry had told him about the
discovery of the cross, and how she had put two and two together.

"And now, sir, you must see that in some way this stranger is connected
with the crime. He called to see you. May I ask what you know of him?"

"Absolutely nothing," replied the other emphatically. "Wait! I must show
you something." He rose and went to his desk. "Of course, I am telling
you my private business," he added, opening a drawer, "so don't please
speak about it."

"If it has nothing to do with the murder I won't; but if----"

"Pshaw! that is all right, I know as much about these things as you do.
However, we can talk of that later. Meantime cast your eye over that,"
and he placed a document on the table.

"A judgment summons for five hundred pounds," said Steel, with a
whistle. "Did he serve this?"

"Yes," replied Morley, returning to his seat with a gloomy face. "You
will see that it is dated three days before he came to me. I have outrun
the constable, and have the greatest difficulty in keeping my head above
water. This man--I don't know his name--said that he came from those
solicitors----"

"'Asher, Son, and Asher,'" read out the detective.

Morley nodded. "Of twenty-two, St. Audrey's Inn. A firm of sharpers I
call them. The money has certainly been owing a long time, but I offere