"I never heard anything of them either. But it appeared that when Anchor was seeing me a negro came to his lodgings to wait for him. As he didn't turn up the negro skipped. I fancied he might have been an emissary of Mrs. Anchor's to steal those papers. But none were found." "And who killed Anchor?" "Well, I fancy Sakers fired the shot. But who knifed him I can't say." Frank rose, and walking to the window stretched himself. "It's a gruesome story," said he; "and what did Tamaroo mean?" "I can't tell you. That was the one word the poor fellow said before he was stretched a corpse. Well, Frank, after that I got sick of the West and came home. A strange romance?" "Very. But I can't make top nor tail of the business. It is strange that Anchor should have been both shot and stabbed as Starth was." "For that reason I tell the story. Keep it to yourself, Frank. I do not care about wearing my heart on my sleeve." "I'll say nothing," assented Lancaster, "and you know quite enough to round on me if I do. I say"--he peered through the window into the moonlight--"who is the lady?" Jarman rose, and looked over Frank's shoulder. There was a white figure crossing the lawn. "It's Mildred--Miss Starth." Frank made for the door. "I'll go to my bedroom," he said. "I am not able to meet her yet, as I might give myself away. Besides, she may wish to talk to you about the case." "H'm! Yes, it's just as well. Clear out. I'll let you know all that is needful." So Frank disappeared, and Jarman opened the front door to his visitor. Mildred looked very weary. She wore a white dress with black bows, and saw him looking sideways at it when she entered the study. "I haven't had time to get proper mourning," she said, sinking into a chair. "Mrs. Perth is furbishing up an old dress for to-morrow." "I wasn't thinking of that," said Jarman, mendaciously. "Have some wine, Miss Starth? You look so tired." "I'm worn out. That awful inquest, and poor Walter's death." She hid her face in her hands. "It's all so sudden, so terrible! I have been in bed ever since I returned." "So Mrs. Perth told me. I know the verdict." "Do you think it is a true one?" asked Mildred, suddenly. Jarman was taken aback. "How should I know?" "The jury say that Mr. Lancaster killed Walter. But as I was leaving the room someone--I don't know who--slipped a paper into my hand. I have brought it to you, as I can't understand." She handed Jarman half a sheet of notepaper. On it was written in an unformed, childish hand three words--"Frank. Innocent. Tamaroo!" "Tamaroo!" Jarman leaped up. "Tamaroo! What does it mean?" CHAPTER VII CUPID'S BARGAIN While Jarman was receiving Miss Starth at the door, Miss Cork had brought in the lamp and pulled down the blinds. In the yellow light Mildred could see that his face was pearly white. As Eustace was not usually emotional, she guessed that the paper she had given him must be interesting enough to surprise him out of his ordinary self.