“But how could she get it from her brother, when Jotty said that he saw it on the night of the murder in Grison’s possession?” “I can’t explain,” said Sorley with a vexed air, “and I am sure that Louisa hates me too much to do so. She may have induced him to give it back, lest he should return it to me; she knew of my visits.” “Did she know of your visits?” “She must have. Baldwin doubtless told her, for he never could keep his own counsel, being as weak as water. And if he did hold his peace, I am very sure that Jotty did not. The boy saw me frequently.” “Yes,” said Alan reflectively, “he told us that he did, and described you.” Sorley smiled bitterly and revengefully. “The boy seems to have given me away thoroughly. Had he come to me I could have paid him more than two pounds, and would have done so to close his mouth and regain that letter.” “It is just as well that Jotty did speak out, and has placed you in your present position,” said Latimer coldly, “for if Miss Grison did lay the trap you speak of, the exposure would only have come about in another way.’ “I daresay you are right,” sighed the old man, putting on a shabby cap which also formed a portion of his disguise, “and after all, Jotty, by coming down to warn me, gave me a chance of escape.” “Hum!” said Alan after a pause, “your flight only lent color to the suspicions against you, on the evidence we gave to Moon. It is just probable since Jotty is in league with Miss Grison—for I believe the brat is—that the warning was arranged so that you should incriminate yourself.” “I shall do so no longer,” said Sorley opening the door, “come both of you with me. You need not fear that I shall try to escape as I quite intend to give myself up, knowing my complete innocence. If you doubt me take each of you an arm.” “Oh, we’ll trust you,” said Latimer with a shrug, much to Alan’s relief. All the same Dick intended to keep a sharp eye on the man, since the talk might be mainly for effect, and there was no knowing if an escape might not be attempted.