“One thing,” said Sir Henry; “I think the news of Scammel’s death should be kept from Hopcraft, or he may draw in his horns, when he knows there is no more fear of him. He seemed disposed otherwise to be communicative.” “On the contrary,” said Mr. Degge, “his fear being gone, he may tell us all he knows of Scammel’s part of the murder, though he will take care to conceal his own.” “Well,” said Sir Henry, “that is of less consequence; we have his full testimony on oath of Scammel committing the murder, and plundering the body. Now there is a curious incident come to light. On the trial of Mr. Woodburn, the suspicion was thrown with overwhelming force on him, because it was said that it was clear no robbery had been contemplated. It must, therefore, have been a work of malice. Yet, here we have proof that robbery was committed. It is clear to me that Dr. Leroy’s dream is correct in this respect, and when he saw the murderer take out Mr. Drury’s watch, and then put it back again, and so by his pocket-book, it was because Scammel had the shrewdness to apprehend that these might somehow or other lead to his detection, if taken and made use of.” “I see,” said Mr. Degge, “I see. Yes, that is very curious. Now could not this fact, of a separate amount of money in Mr. Drury’s pocket, be ascertained by an examination of his accounts?” “Right! a good idea!” said Sir Henry. “George Woodburn can, I have no doubt, clear all that up. The accounts are all in Mr. Drury’s desk at Bilt’s Farm. I believe he kept most minute and accurate ones. I have very little question but his Bank pass-book will, in connection with his day-book, show that perfectly. George must write to Miss Drury, and get permission to make the examination. Elizabeth will render every possible aid in working out the solution of this mystery.” “Oh, it will be a great pleasure to George, and to us all,” said Lady Clavering, “to be able to clear our dear father in her eyes. She has always firmly and nobly declared that such a crime was impossible from such a quarter.” “In the morning,” said Sir Henry, “we will, if convenient to you, Mr. Degge, bring up Hopcraft again. To-day I don’t feel as if I could go through anything more.” “No,” said Mr. Degge, laughing; “after such a race, and such a catastrophe, you may well claim a rest. And what a race that was! As I stood and watched, I thought it was one of the finest things I had ever seen. That tall, black, brawny fellow making a desperate push for his life, and going off the ground like a wild Indian; and you! ’pon my word, I could not have imagined that you could run so! The way you held out was splendid, and shows that your field sports have given you extraordinary stamina. And that Boddily; why, he seems up to anything. It was a neck-and-neck affair between yourself and him! Altogether the event is like a dream to me. I don’t know how I feel. I shall not be myself till I have slept upon it.”