Alden took notes and gave no sign of opinion. "The mulatto did it," said Durgan, sternly. "Very probably, my dear sir; but there is as yet no proof. In such a place, whoever did it could throw the knife where it would remain hidden forever. There is no proof that this mulatto committed the deed before he went down the mountain; none that Adam did not do it when he returned later." "Adam is a better man than I am. I am as certain of him as of myself." "I entirely take your word for it. I am convinced by what you say. But men of the law, my dear sir, think only of what will convince the men in the box." Having told all this of his own accord, Durgan became aware that in the course of conversation he was being questioned, and very closely. Where had he gone when he left the sisters? How long had he rested? Where did he go then? Why did he wait? Did he remember exactly the place in which he waited? None of these questions were asked in categorical form, yet he had soon rather reluctantly told his every movement, except what he had seen of Miss Smith's actions when the moon rose, and the location of the particular tree. He was wholly determined that what he had so unexpectedly spied should never pass his lips. "You were very kind in guarding the house. This colored man was evidently a dangerous character. You had reason, no doubt, for suspecting that he would be about at that hour, Mr. Durgan?" "I knew nothing about his movements. I can tell you nothing more." "Can you be sure that he made no attempt to enter the house that evening?" "He could hardly have done that?" "You were in the house all the evening, and then watched it till you heard the alarming sound of this poor woman's last breath. You are sure that he did not come or go from the house in that time?" "Have you any reason to suppose he did?" "Suppose, merely for the sake of argument, that I had reason to suspect he did, can you deny it?" "I am sure he did not." "Could you swear to it in a court of justice?" "No. It was impossible for me to watch every door. I expected him from one direction, and watched only that. I should have expected the dogs to bark if he came within the paling." "Ah! Then you could not swear that anyone who could silence the dogs might have left the house." The lawyer relapsed into significant silence. Chapter XVIII A STARTLING DISCLOSURE At last Alden said, "Mr. Durgan, I came here this morning at the request of my clients and dear friends to make a communication to you. When I have made it you will understand why I should have been glad had you been certain that during the evening no one could have left or entered the house--this negro or any other person. Have you any idea of what I am going to tell you?" "I am aware that these ladies are, for some good reason, hiding. This information came to me by accident. The secret is safe with me. I have no wish to know more."