"I infer that Scott called to see Julian with reference to their previous quarrel, perhaps to demand proofs as to the episode of Christchurch. I believe that he climbed the wall and entered the house through the glass door of the drawing-room, which Julian had not locked. I have no doubt that he found Julian in his study, that Julian told him the story of the episode was locked up in the bureau. No doubt Scott insisted upon having the papers which revealed the dishonour of his parents placed in his hands. Julian would naturally refuse. Then the quarrel would recommence, and the end of it would be--well," added Joad, with a shrug, "you know the rest. Julian was killed, and the bureau robbed of that paper. What further proof can you desire that Dr. Scott murdered your guardian?" Dora heard this story with a suffocating feeling in her throat. She felt as though a net were being thrown round Allen, as though he would be tangled in its meshes. It was true that he had returned from London on the night of the murder; but she could not understand why he should have visited the Red House at midnight. Then she remembered that Allen had gone to town on business connected with that terrible conversation with Edermont. What if he had learnt that Edermont had spoken the truth regarding the dishonour of his parents, and had returned to revenge himself on the old man? These thoughts occurred to her with lightning rapidity; but in the end they all gave place to one. She must save him at any cost; to do so she must close Joad's mouth. "Why did you not speak of this before?" she asked in a trembling voice. "I wished to tell you first. You know that I love you. I wish you to be my wife. If you marry me, Scott will be safe. If not----" "If not, what would you do?" "My duty," said he solemnly. The situation was frightful. Dora felt that she must scream, if only to relieve the tension of her nerves. If Joad denounced Allen, the doctor would be arrested; and what defence could he make, what explanation could he give, for coming to the Red House on the night, at the very time, of the committal of the crime? She said nothing, trying to collect her thoughts, while Joad blinked at her through his half-shut eyes. "And, after all, you couldn't marry him," he declared suddenly; "he is guilty." "That has yet to be proved," said Dora faintly. "I cannot believe that Allen committed so horrible a crime. His motive----" "His motive will be found in the papers he stole," said Joad brutally. "But come--your answer. Consent to be my wife, or I go to the police this evening." "You--you must give me time," she stammered. Joad nodded. "That is only fair," he said gravely. "I will give you a week. If you do not promise by that time, well--your lover goes to the scaffold."