I darednot be too sanguine without some assurance.
Were notsupposed to know
yet; and thats our one chance.
Not only have we thought it over, said Markham,
but Mr. Otherwise the relationship between Madeleine Moffat and little
MissMuffet might have been obscured. Markhams mind whether or notthe law can
even hold him.
I wont move from this office, Vance, until you explain.
Did they
believe in his interpretation of the episode?
But I thinkyou need have no
further misgivings. The man fumbled for several moments with his bunch of
keys.
Im sorry, sir, Pyne told him; but the professor is also out.
In Chinese
law every criminal condemned todeath has the option of suicide. And now she has
disappeared afterhaving been seen talking with a strange man. Yes, there are
some secrets so hideous that it is well for theworld not to know them.
The
professor now will do allin his power to help convict Arnesson. Vance had
listened with the intensest interest. The professor showed no sign of being
startled. There was a silence; then the professor asked:What more have you to
tell me? There was a key protruding fromthe lock, and, turning it, he drew open
the door.
He probably beckoned the child to thetuffet, and sat down beside her.
Markham rose to make his adieu; but Professor Dillard urged him toremain a
while.
What of a suicide thatmakes possible that protection? Again I
experienced a thrill of liking for Heath. We may be able to force the issue
some way, Vance rejoined.
I dont know what can be done, he said hopelessly.
Almost before he had uttered the words a luminous circle fell onthe floor of
the closet.
Otherwise the relationship between Madeleine Moffat and little
MissMuffet might have been obscured.
And by to-morrow the kidwoulda been dead.
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