Stephen jumped up, as Bess uttered a cry of amazement. "Petronella," he stammered. "Thank God! Sidney did not do it. "Sidney!" cried Bess and Ida in a breath. Herrick hurriedly explained. "Frisco accused Sidney because he was in the house at the time of the murder. That was when you were looking for him, Bess. Do you remember?" "I should think so," she cried. "No wonder I could not find him. But Petronella. Was the pistol hers and the silver bullet?" "What are you talking about, Bess dear?" "Let me explain," said Dr. Jim, before Bess could answer Ida, "it is a long story and I think you will find it interesting." And then Herrick told the whole complicated case from the time he and Joyce found the dead body of Colonel Carr in the Tower which now no longer existed. He was frequently interrupted with exclamations of horror from Ida, and of rage from Frank. When he ended, the latter jumped up. "If I meet that little wretch, Joyce, again," said Frank, "I'll break every bone in his body. The idea of trying to mix up Bess in the matter." "He has received a worse punishment than a thrashing," said Stephen, "I think you can leave him to the punishment of destiny, Frank." A babel of voices ensued. Everyone was talking at once, and for fully an hour they discussed the case in all its bearings. "I suppose Frisco will be released now," said Bess triumphantly. "I knew that he was innocent. I said so all along." "All the same he is a bad lot," remarked Herrick, "the less we have to do with him the better." "I don't think he'll come down here again in a hurry," said Marsh-Carr thankfully, "and Santiago has sailed for Mexico. Thus we are rid of the whole gang. Hullo! What's that?" It was a violent ringing at the door, and Herrick started to his feet, looking perturbed. "I hope nothing is wrong now," he said. "I am getting so nervous with all this, that I am always expecting the worst of tidings." As he spoke, the footman ushered in Inspector Bridge, in a state of excitement. The man could hardly speak, and was scarlet in the face with suppressed rage and alarm. "I beg your pardon," he said to the company; "but this woman--Petronella----" "What is the matter?" asked Dr. Jim. "She is dead." All looked at one another. "And before sunset," remarked Herrick, thinking of Sidney. "How did it happen, Bridge?" "She had a bottle of chloral under her pillow, and while the nurse's back was turned, she drank it. I was called, too late. She is as dead as a door-nail, and has spoilt a most beautiful case." Leaving the others to discuss the matter with Bridge, Herrick hastily excused himself. He ran across to Biffstead, and up into Sidney's bedroom. The boy was sleeping quietly, but Dr. Jim woke him promptly. "I say," he cried, shaking the boy's shoulder, "she is dead." "Petronella," said Sidney drowsily, "I know she is. I said she would die before sunset." "You told her to take that chloral."