e the grave--on the spot of the murder."

CHAPTER VI

THE CASE AGAINST ANNE

The contradictory qualities of Mrs. Parry's nature came out strongly in
connection with the Rickwell tragedy. When Miss Denham was prosperous
the old woman had nothing but bad to say of her, now that she was a
fugitive and generally credited with a crime, Mrs. Parry stood up for
her stoutly. She made herself acquainted with all details, and delivered
her verdict to Mrs. Morley, on whom she called for the express purpose
of giving her opinion.

"I never liked the woman," she said impressively, "she was artful and
frivolous; and to gain admiration behaved in a brazen way of which I
thoroughly disapproved. All the same, I do not believe she killed the
girl."

"But the evidence is strongly against her," expostulated Mrs. Morley.

"And how many people have been hanged on evidence which has afterwards
been proved incorrect?" retorted Mrs. Parry. "I don't care how certain
they are of her guilt. In my opinion she is an innocent woman. I am glad
she has escaped."

"I am not sorry myself," sighed the other. "I was fond of Anne, for she
had many good points. But Mr. Steel says----"

"Who is Mr. Steel?"

"The detective who has charge of the case."

"I thought the police from Chelmsford had it in hand."

"Of course, Mr. Morley sent for the police the morning after poor
Daisy's death. That is three days ago. To-morrow the inquest is to be
held. I suppose they will bring a verdict against poor Miss Denham."

"Ha!" said Mrs. Parry, rubbing her nose, "and my greengrocer is on the
jury. Much he knows about the matter. But this Steel creature. Where
does he come from?"

"Mr. Morley sent to London for him. He has a private inquiry office, I
believe."

"No such thing," contradicted Mrs. Parry, "he is from Scotland Yard. A
genuine detective--none of your makeshifts."

"I thought you knew nothing about him?"

"Nor did I till this minute. But I now remember seeing his name in
connection with the theft of Lady Summersdale's diamonds. He caught the
thief in a very clever way. Steel--Martin Steel, I remember now. So he
has the case in hand. Humph! He won't accuse Anne Denham, you may be
sure of that. He's too clever."

"But he is convinced of her guilt," said the other triumphantly.

"Then the man's a fool. I'll see him myself."

Mrs. Parry did so the very next day after the inquest had been held and
the verdict given. She possessed a sma