The man brushed past him and flung himself on his knees at Ruby’s side. "I am Rupert Dale!" Despard staggered back and almost fell. The hall-porter who was just behind put out his hand and caught him by the arm. * * * * * Ruby Strode opened her eyes and looked into the bronzed face bending over her. A little light came into them as she gazed into the eyes watching her so tenderly. "I—he shot me—an accident, I think; but he tried to steal——" She moistened her lips and tried to raise herself. Her eyes grew brighter. "Who are you?" she whispered. "Don’t you know me, Ruby?" Rupert said brokenly. "I am your lover, dear. I’m Rupert. I’ve come for you—I’ve come back to take you away with me, out to the home in the East I’ve made for you.... Ruby! Ruby!" With an effort she raised her arms and fastened them around his neck. "Thank God you have come!" Her voice was growing very faint. "Don’t believe what Mr. Despard tells you. Here, inside my blouse, there’s a paper signed by him. It completely exonerates you. It tells the truth which he concealed at the trial. Listen, Rupert, don’t speak. You are free now—I’ve saved you at last in spite of all. Say you forgive me. I did it because I loved you, dear. Say you forgive me." He lifted her and rested her head on his breast. He kissed her lips. "I came back to take you with me, Ruby. I made good out in the East, dear. A home for you. I only landed this morning. I went to your rooms. Miss Colyer told me you had come here. Hush, don’t speak, you’ll be all right by and by." She shook her head. "I’m dying. But you’ll take me with you, Rupert?" His lips trembled. The words stuck in his throat, "I came home for you. I’ll take you with me, Ruby darling.... I’ll take you with me." A smile flitted across her lips. Her eyes closed—almost as if she were tired and falling asleep. Then her head rolled and fell back. Gently laying her down, Rupert put his face close to hers. * * * * * When he stood up there was a crumpled piece of paper in his hand. He turned and saw Robert Despard standing in the centre of the sitting-room, on either side of him a police constable. An inspector came forward and said something, but Rupert scarcely heard. He unfolded the paper and handed it to him. "I’ve just found this tucked inside the lady’s dress," he said, fighting for control of his voice. "She told me ... it may throw some light ... on the affair." "You know her, sir?" the inspector said. Rupert bowed his head. He was silent a moment. Down his tanned, weather-stained cheeks tears were silently falling. "She was my affianced wife." CHAPTER XXVIII. FINIS.