England -- Fiction; Murder -- Investigation -- Fiction; Mystery fiction
"Yes. And I intend to arrest him on suspicion. Mayne had a reason for
ridding himself of the girl, and he was the last person to see her
alive. And I believe he is guilty of her death. However, that can be
proved when he is tried."
"You intend to arrest him, then?"
"Yes; as soon as the doctor says he can be moved."
Rachel said no more at the time, for she might as well have attempted
to persuade a block of granite to mercy as Chard. The inspector had
been taunted with his failure in this case, and his pride was hurt. He
believed Herbert was guilty, in spite of the young man's denial, and
rejoiced that he had survived Pharaoh's knife to be punished for his
crime.
But if he was determined to arrest Mayne, Rachel was equally resolved
to save her lover. She was certain of Herbert's innocence, but saw no
way of proving it. Then it struck her that Tera might know the truth,
and to Tera she went for information. The Polynesian girl was wretched
enough herself at the moment, for, in spite of all her cajoling,
Carwell sternly refused to give his nephew the needful five hundred
pounds. Tera was in despair, as she saw her stay at Grimleigh
prolonged for an indefinite period.
"Bithiah," said Rachel, in desperation, "the inspector says that
Herbert is guilty, and I am sure he is not. Can you help me to prove
his innocence? I would do anything--give anything, to save him."
Tera looked up alertly. "Jack wants five hundred pounds," she said;
"will you persuade your father to give it to him if I tell you who
killed Zara? I know who did it."
"You know! Tell me--oh! dear Bithiah, tell me!"
"No. I want that money for Jack. Then I'll tell."
"Cruel, cruel girl--mercenary----"
"I am not mercenary," retorted Tera, haughtily. "If I can help Jack,
why should I not do so? Besides, if I help you, you should help me.
Get me the five hundred from your father, and----"
"My father will not give the money."
"Then I hold my tongue!"
"Herbert's life depends upon your speaking out."
"Jack's future depends upon my holding my tongue," said Tera, with a
sigh, "and in more ways than one."
"Well, if you will only do it for money, I will give it to you
myself," cried Rachel. "My mother left me six hundred pounds. Some of
it is invested, but the greater part of it is in the bank at Poldew. I
can give you a cheque now, if you will speak out."
"I'll speak out. I'll save Herbert," said Tera, excitedly, "only give
me the money."
Disgusted with such avarice on the part of Tera, but reflecting that
she had to do with a half-civilized being, Rachel left the room and
shortly returned with a cheque.
"Take it to the bank, and you will get the money."
"I must see the money in cash," said Tera, cunningly. "I won't speak
till then."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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