The two men first called did not interest me. They were the constables to whose evidence I had listened at the police court. "Detective-Inspector Cronin," exclaimed Mr Paget, when they had finished, and a tall, well-preserved, black-bearded man entered the witness-box and was sworn. "I am John Cronin, detective inspector, Criminal Investigation Department," said he, in answer to counsel. "The pocket-book which I produce was handed me on prisoner's arrest, and upon examining it, I found it contained, amongst other things, a bill of the Charing Cross Hotel. I proceeded there, made inquiries, and ascertained that prisoner had been staying there one day, giving his name as Frank Burgoyne. I examined the room he occupied, and found a despatch box in which was the photograph I now produce. Comparing it with that of the woman murdered in Angel Court, taken after death, I find the features exactly coincide." "Was there any distinguishing mark?" asked his lordship. "Yes, m'lord," replied the detective handing up both photographs. "Your lordship will notice a small scar over the left eye." "You made other inquiries, I believe?" asked Mr Paget. "Yes; on the following day I went to prisoner's house, Elveham Dene, Northamptonshire, and searched the premises. On examining the drawers of a writing-table in the library, which were unlocked, I found two blank pieces of paper on which were seals corresponding in every particular to that found on the lady murdered in Bedford Place." What did all this mean? I knew nothing of these seals. Surely it must be some plot to take away my life! The frightful suspicion--could Vera be concerned in it--entered my soul. The doubt was too awful to be entertained; yet she had not communicated with me since my arrest. "In the same drawer," continued the detective fumbling among some papers he held in his hand, "I found this telegram. It is dated on the day of the murder in Bloomsbury, and addressed to the deceased. It reads:--`Handed in at Hull and received at the West Central district office. Shall be with you about midnight. Be at home.' It is signed with a single letter `B.' On examining the notepaper on the writing-table, I found it was the same as that upon which the seals were impressed." "You produce some of that notepaper, I think?" said Mr Paget. "I do, sir." The paper was handed to the judge, who held it to the light and compared the watermarks. When he had satisfied himself the detective resumed: