“Let somebody find a cab,” I said. “Lady Rollinson is naturally a good deal disturbed, and will not wish to make a charge to-night. She can appear against me in the morning, and in the meantime we can see that the money is made safe.” “Make no mistake about that,” said the officer. “We'll see that the money is kept safe. You hand that bag over to me; I'll take charge of that.” “No,” I answered; “it goes into your inspector's hands. You can send for him, if you like, or you can take me to him.” On a sudden I looked up, and there, among the faces at the door, I caught sight of Roncivalli and Brunow. “Gentlemen,” I said, “I take you to witness why I have done this thing. Here is the money which was to have been handed to you to-morrow. I have told the Brotherhood. I spared you once,” I added, to Brunow; “you may go now and take your chance in earnest.” Roncivalli was a man of daring, and had more than once given proofs of courage; but he turned white at my words, and Brunow shrank back in the crowd with a face all ghastly gray, with his teeth gleaming behind his trembling lips. Through all the hurry and bustle of the scene the hotel manager was vainly urging the startled occupants of the house to return to their own chambers. Then, with a sudden leap of the heart, I heard a voice outside: “Be good enough to make way for me.” “Come along!” cried the officer; “hand me that bag, and have done with it. I know my duty, and I've got force enough behind me.” “Wait a moment,” I answered; “here is the owner of the money. Make way for Miss Rossano, and drive all those curious people away.” I saw the crowd divide, and Violet came in, looking about her wonderingly. I stood there manacled, holding out the stolen money in my extended hands. She gave one swift glance of astonishment, and closed the door, leaving us alone, except for the officer and the hotel manager. Hinge, conscious of his dishabille, had retreated at the moment of her entrance. “My aunt has been robbed, John,” she said, looking at me with wondering eyes-- “robbed of forty thousand pounds!” “And I,” I answered, “am the thief, and here is the money.” “You the thief!” She fixed me with her eyes that have always seemed like stars of fate to me, and I saw a shadow of dreadful pain and wonder on her face. “You the thief!” she repeated. “Yes,” I answered; “I stole this money from Lady Rollinson five minutes ago.” What with the certainty of triumph in my purpose, the surety of being immediately understood, and the joy of seeing her so unexpectedly again, I laughed outright. “I hand you back your own, dear. Take charge of it till you have heard my story. Sit down, and I will tell you everything.” “Is this your property, mum?” the officer asked, setting both hands on the bag as I set it on the table. “I believe so,” said Violet. “I gave the sum of forty thousand pounds into the charge of my aunt, Lady Rollinson, yesterday morning?”