~Dick.~ I was. But how could I prove it? I went to prison. For a year black despair gnawed at my heart. And then something happened. The prisoner in the cell next to mine tried to communicate with me by means of taps. We soon arranged a system and held conversations together. One day he told me of a robbery in which he and another man had been engaged--the robbery of a diamond necklace. ~Jasper~ (_jauntily_). Well? ~Dick~ (_sternly_). A diamond necklace, Jasper Beeste, which the other man hid in the hatbox of another man in order that he might woo the other man's _fiancée_! (Millicent _shrieks._) ~Jasper~ (_blusteringly_). Bah! ~Dick~ (_quietly_). The man in the cell next to mine wants to meet this gentleman again. It seems that he has some old scores to pay off. ~Jasper~ (_sneeringly_). And where is he? ~Dick.~ Ah, where is he? (_He goes to the window and gives a low whistle. A stranger in knickerbockers jumps in and advances with a crab-like movement._) Good! here you are. Allow me to present you to Mr. Jasper Beeste. ~Jasper~ (_in horror_). Two-toed Thomas! I am undone! ~Two-toed Thomas~ (_after a series of unintelligible snarls_). Say the word, guv'nor, and I'll kill him. (_He prowls round_ Jasper _thoughtfully._) ~Dick~ (_sternly_). Stand back! Now, Jasper Beeste, what have you to say? ~Jasper~ (_hysterically_). I confess. I will sign anything. I will go to prison. Only keep that man off me. ~Dick~ (_going up to a bureau and writing aloud at incredible speed_). "I, Jasper Beeste, of Beeste Hall, do hereby declare that I stole Lady Wilsdon's diamond necklace and hid it in the hatbox of Richard Trayle; and I further declare that the said Richard Trayle is innocent of any complicity in the affair. (_Advancing with the paper and a fountain pen._) Sign, please." (_Jasper signs. At this moment two warders burst into the room._) ~First Warder.~ There they are! (_He seizes_ Dick. Two-toed Thomas _leaps from the window, pursued by the second Warder_. Millicent _picks up the confession and advances dramatically._) ~Millicent.~ Do not touch that man! Read this! (_She hands him the confession with an air of superb pride._) ~First Warder~ (_reading_). Jasper Beeste! (_Slipping a pair of handcuffs on_ Jasper.) You come along with me, my man. We've had our suspicions of you for some time. (_To_ Millicent, _with a nod at_ Dick). You'll look after that gentleman, miss? ~Millicent.~ Of course! Why, he's engaged to me. Aren't you, Dick? ~Dick.~ This time, Millicent, for ever! CURTAIN. XLIV. "THE LOST HEIRESS"