e swollen with
weeping appeared. She did not seem astonished at the sight of the men in
uniform. Perhaps she had seen them lurking in the neighborhood and knew
what to expect.

"Come in," she said sullenly to Steel and his companion. "My father
expects you."

"Who told him I was coming?" asked Steel.

"I don't know," she answered, and led the way up the stairs. On the
landing she turned viciously. "If father had not broken his leg, you
would not have found us here," she declared.

"I quite believe that," retorted Steel.

"And you needn't have brought those beasts of men," continued the girl,
with a glance at the police in the hall. "We are all alone. Dowse and
his wife and daughter ran away whenever they heard there was trouble."

"Oh, they are mixed up in this affair also."

"I don't know. I shan't say anything, for I don't know nothing."

She sullenly led the way through a long corridor and opened the door of
a sitting-room. Here on a sofa with a small table at his elbow lay
Denham. His leg was swathed in bandages, and he wore a loose
dressing-gown. As they entered he laid down a book and looked at them.
His face was worn, his hair was quite grey, but the brilliance of his
eyes were undimmed, and he spoke in a masterful manner.

"Here you are, Steel," he said coolly. "Got the warrant?"

"How do you know I have a warrant?" asked the other, taken aback.

"I knew you would find out the truth the moment Mrs. Franklin, or
rather, I should say the Princess Karacsay, discovered me. She has told
you all and has put you on my track."

"Dane put me on your track."

"Dane? Well, I'm not surprised. He's a scoundrel. King's evidence, I
suppose? I'll defeat him, Steel. Take a seat and I'll tell you all about
myself."

Very much surprised at this calmness the two men sat down. Denham waved
his daughter out of the room. She was unwilling to go, but a glance sent
her away. When she closed the door Denham turned to Giles.

"When you marry Anne, Mr. Ware," said he, "ask her to look after my poor
daughter."

"How do you know I shall ever marry Anne?"

"Because you are a determined man. Men like you usually do get their own
way. You intend to marry Anne Franklin and you will. But Portia has been
good to Anne, and when I am in prison I hope Anne will take care of
her."

"I'll see to that," said Giles. "I don't believe that the sins of the
father should be visited on the children. Do you know where Anne has got
to? S