Cyril removed her arm gently, although he shivered. "We have had enough of these horrors for one night, dear," he said, kissing her. "Go inside and talk to Miss Ankers. To-morrow I'll come and see you." "What are you about to do, Cyril?" "I am returning to the Manor-house, and then shall go to Granny's hut with Inglis. There must be an end to all this mystery to-night. Bella"--he turned suddenly--"if it is proved that my father is alive, will you still marry me? Think of the disgrace he has brought on me." "Why? In any case your father didn't murder Captain Huxham." "No; his hands are free from blood in that respect. But this case will have to be thoroughly inquired into, and much about my father may come out. His doings were shady. As I told you, I had to borrow one thousand pounds to buy back a cheque for that amount which he had forged in the name of an old college friend. Then there's the gun-running in Nigeria, and all manner of doubtful means by which he made his money. Bella, if you marry me, you marry a man with a soiled name." Her arms were round him on the instant. "_You_ have not soiled it," she whispered, "and that is enough for me." Cyril's lips met hers in a passionate kiss, and, glowing with happiness, she ran into Dora's little garden as the door opened. Miss Ankers, hearing voices at this late hour--for it was nearly midnight--was looking out to see what was the matter. Cyril watched her admit Bella, and then turned away with a sigh. He intended to confess much about his father to Inglis, which he would much rather have kept concealed; but under the circumstances there was no other way of settling matters. Since the tragic death of Captain Huxham, these had been in a very bad way. Very shortly the young man arrived at the Manor-house, and found a constable on guard at the door. But he was admitted the moment the man recognised him. It appeared that Inglis had been expecting him for some time. Lister walked into the study, wherein the inspector had established himself, and explained that he had been escorting Miss Huxham home. "The poor girl is quite worn out," said Cyril, seating himself with an air of relief, for he also was extremely tired. "No wonder," replied the inspector. "Is Dutton on guard?" "Yes. Mrs. Vand and the old woman and the girl are all safe." "I have sent along another man," said Inglis nodding, "so that there may be no chance of the three escaping. The house was locked up when we came here, Mr. Lister, and only by breaking a window could we enter. Look at this, sir"--and the inspector pointed to a small lozenge-pane in the casement, which had been broken. "Well," said Cyril, after a pause. "Through that broken pane Luke Tunks saw everything which took place in this study on the night of the murder."