naged to deceive the people of the ship; but he must have done so in
some way, to get the false report put in the paper."

"Did Denham not tell you when you unmasked him at Rickwell?"

"He made some sort of explanation, but I think much of it was very
false."

"How did you come to discover him?"

"Olga did so. She knew a part of my story. That was why--as perhaps you
saw--she was always uneasy when I touched on Jamaica."

"Yes; I remember that, Princess. Well, I must get Mademoiselle Olga to
tell me how she discovered all this. But on what terms did you leave
Denham?"

"I told him that I would give him a month to make restitution to my
daughter Anne, and then if he did not I would inform the police."

"Did he agree?"

"No; the wretch defied me. He told me that Anne had murdered Daisy Kent
out of jealousy, and said that if I moved a finger against him he would
have her arrested."

"He could not do that without harming himself."

"I don't know," said the Princess wearily; "he is so clever that he
seems to do what he likes. I have taken no steps, because I wished to
get some advice as to how I should act under the circumstances. For this
reason I tell you."

"I will do my best, Princess. But how was it Anne came with you?"

"Olga managed that. She knew Anne was at the Priory. I don't know how.
Olga knows much. I wish she and Anne would come back again. I hope
nothing has happened."

Even as she spoke the door opened, and Olga entered the room looking
haggard and worn out. "Anne!" cried her mother. "Where is Anne?"

"Lost!" replied Olga, dropping exhausted into a chair, "lost!"

CHAPTER XXII

OLGA'S EVIDENCE

Giles saw in the girl almost as great a change as that which had taken
place in her mother. Formerly haughty and self-possessed, she was now
quite exhausted and broken down. Her dress was muddy and wet and in
disorder. She had a grey face and red eyes. Huddled up in the chair, she
looked a pitiable object--the ruin of what was once a beautiful woman.

"Anne lost?" cried the Princess, clutching at a chair to steady herself.
"Olga, what do you mean?"

Olga did not answer. She closed her eyes and let her umbrella fall with
a crash. Giles saw that the girl was quite worn out. Hastily filling a
glass with undiluted whiskey, he held it to her lips, and made her drink
the whole of it. Shortly the ardent spirit did its work. She sat up and
began to talk in a stronger tone; but the excitement was