“And yet the police have failed to discover the murderer of poor Mr. Thorne,” I observed. “They will never do that.” “Why not?” “They will never solve the mystery without aid.” “Whose aid?” “Mine.” “What?” I cried, starting quickly. “Are you actually in possession of some fact that will lead to the arrest of the culprit? Tell me quickly. Is it really certain that he was murdered, and did not die a natural death?” “Ah,” he laughed. “I told you a few minutes ago that you would be anxious to hear my statement. Was I not correct?” “Of course. I had no idea that you were in possession of any fact or evidence regarding the crime. What do you know about it?” “At present I am not at liberty to say--except that the person who committed the deed was no ordinary criminal.” “Then he was murdered, and the motive was robbery?” “That was the police theory, but I can at once assure you that they were entirely mistaken. Theft was not the motive.” “But the money was stolen from his pockets?” I said. “How do you prove that? He might have secreted it somewhere before the attack was made upon him.” “I feel certain that the money was stolen,” I answered. “Well, you are, of course, welcome to your own opinion,” he answered carelessly. “I can only assure you that, even though the money was not found upon him, robbery was not the motive of the crime.” “And you have come to me in order to tell me that?” I said. “Perhaps you will explain further?” “I come to you, Miss Rosselli, because a serious responsibility rests upon yourself.” “In what manner?” “The unfortunate young man was attracted towards you; he accompanied you to Monte Carlo on the day of his death, and he was found dead in your sitting-room.” “I know,” I said. “But why did he go there?” “Because he, no doubt, wished to speak with you.” “At that late hour? I cannot conceive why he should want to speak with me. He might have come to me in the morning.” “No. The matter was pressing,--very pressing.” “Then if you know its nature, as you apparently do, perhaps you will tell me.” “I can say nothing,” the deep voice responded. “I only desire to warn you.” “To warn me!” I cried, much surprised. “Of what?” “Of a danger which threatens you.” “A danger? Explain it.”