In which Death is a Relief 309 XXX. Two Letters 322 XXXI. Miss Fitzgerald Burns her Boats 335 XXXII. The Top of the Tower 346 XXXIII. The Secret of the Door 356 XXXIV. Within the Tower 366 XXXV. The Short Way Out 374 XXXVI. The Day of Reckoning 384 XXXVII. The Price of Knowledge 397 XXXVIII. The Price of Love 406 XXXIX. The Price of Silence 422 XL. The Price of a Lie 433 CHAPTER I THE CONSPIRACY "Forty thousand pounds is a pretty sum of money." "Bribery is not a pretty word." "No--there should be a better name for private transactions when the amount involved assumes proportions of such dignity." The speaker smiled and glanced covertly at his companion. "Darcy is our man without doubt. Can you land him? He may hold out for the lion's share and then refuse on the ground of--honour." "Darcy and honour! That is a far call." "There is much unsuspected honesty going around." "Perhaps--but not Darcy." "But what if he refuse?" "He cannot." "Why not?" "That's my secret. I force Darcy's hand for you, and in return I expect fair recognition." "You have our promise, but it must be to-night. There is no time to lose. I'll go on to the house. Where will you see Darcy?" "Leave that to me. Until morning--_adios_," and he vanished among the deep shadows and dark shrubbery. * * * * *