Part 45 (1/2)

”Since when have you had suspicions of Morley?”

”Since I investigated this Scarlet Cross case. I have found one or two of the gang who, like Dane, are willing to turn King's evidence to save themselves. It was one of them called Scott who told me of Dane's coming on the motor-bicycle to Rickwell. But later on you shall hear all. Let me round off the case by arresting Denham.” Here Steel scratched his head and smiled ruefully. ”But I fear the case will not be finished till Morley is caught, and where am I to look for him? I wish I had had him watched. He has been too clever for me. I might have known. As Joe Bart he was one of the smartest detectives in London.”

After this speech Steel began to think, and as he seemed impatient of interruption, Giles said nothing. In due time they arrived at the door of the Priory. It was close on five o'clock. Steel rang the bell, and as he did so a couple of policemen came round the corner for orders. Steel told them to wait in the hall while he saw Denham. ”I don't think he can show fight with a broken leg,” said Steel grimly.

As he spoke the door opened. Portia with her freckled face 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? She went away with Morley.”

At the sound of this name Denham's face grew black. ”I wish I knew where Morley is,” he said vehemently. ”I would give him up to the police with pleasure. On the evening of the day Anne escaped he came here with his wife. When she left he had a quarrel with me, saying I had done wrong in letting Anne go. We fought, and he threw me down the stairs. My leg is broken, and so I could not get away from the police. Well, I give myself up. It is rather hard after I have done so much to get the money I wanted.”

”Even to committing a murder,” said Steel.

”No,” said Denham decisively; ”I did not kill Daisy Kent. She was murdered by--but I'll tell you that later. In the meantime, Mr. Ware, tell me what the Princess told you, and I'll supply the details she doubtless has omitted. Then Steel can follow with his tale.”