“‘This night I stopped at the Red Dragon Inn. I gave the confession of Blanchard to the proprietor to lock up in his safe. I have seen Simeon Rich three times. I have told him that unless he pays me ten thousand dollars I will take Blanchard’s confession to the district attorney. I did not let him know where I had put the documents. No one knows about the contents of the papers except myself. Doctor Thompson did not ask to read the confession when he signed his name as a witness. “‘Rich has promised to raise the money in a few days.’” “Is that all?” Carter asked, when Lena stopped reading. “It is.” “Let me have that book.” “Here it is.” The detective glanced at some of the pages, and then placed the book in his pocket. “What did you do after reading that memorandum?” he asked. “I knew Simeon Rich,” Lena replied. “I met him some years ago. As soon as I read that memorandum I made up my mind that Rich would have to pay me well to keep silent. “The thought came to me that perhaps he might have had a hand in my brother’s death. “I knew that Rich was quite sweet on Isabella Porter, the daughter of the woman for whom my brother had worked.” “She is dead now--I mean Mrs. Porter.” “Did you see Rich?” “Yes; I hunted him up.” “Where was he living?” “In the Studio Building, with Darwin, to whom he introduced me.” “How did you find that out?” “I called on Miss Porter, whom I knew was living at the Gerlach.” “What did you say to Rich?” “I told him that I knew about the confession, and I knew where it was.” “Was he frightened?” “Yes. He held a conference with Darwin, and he then told me that they would let me know how much they would pay me. “I demanded ten thousand dollars. “We have had several conversations about the matter, and a few days ago I called on Darwin, and he gave me five thousand dollars on account. “I then gave him a copy of the memorandum in regard to the papers having been left with the proprietor of the Red Dragon Inn.” “Have you seen him since then?” “Once.” “Did he pay you any more money?” “No, but he promised to do so.” From what Lena said, Carter knew now how it was that Rich had learned of the existence of the Blanchard confession. The case was becoming clearer to the detective. But, still, for all that, he had not secured any positive evidence to prove that Rich had anything to do with the murder. “Lena,” he said, “you say that you believe your brother was murdered?” “I do,” the woman replied. “Do you think Rich had anything to do with it?” “I am not sure.” “Will you be guided by me?” “I will.” “I want you to put on your things and accompany me.” “Are you going to place me under arrest?” “No.” “Then, what?” “I am going to take you to my house. I want you to remain there until I have finished the case upon which I am at work.” “What is that?” “The mystery of the Red Dragon Inn.” “And you suspect Rich?” “I do.” “I have been reading about that case.” “You have?”