"You wish to see me, I understand from your letter, sir," said Marson to the detective, in a dull, hopeless voice. "Yes; with regard to the death of Sebastian Melstane." "I know nothing about his death." "Nothing?" repeated Fanks, with great emphasis. Mr. Marson flushed all over his worn face, and he glanced rapidly at Judith, then repeated his former denial with great deliberation. "I know nothing about his death." "Do you know anything, Miss Varlins?" "I? how should I know?" "I'm sorry to speak rudely to a lady," said Fanks, suavely, "but this is equivocation." She looked despairingly at him with the expression of a trapped animal in her eyes, a mute appeal for mercy, but the detective steeled his heart against her, and spoke plainly: "Do you remember a visit you paid the late Mr. Melstane at Binter's boarding-house during the early part of the month of November?" "No, I do not." "Do you recognise this handkerchief?" said Octavius, holding it out to her. "No. It is a lady's white handkerchief. How should I recognise it?" "By the name in the corner." She glanced rapidly at the embroidery, and seeing the fatal name "Judith," let her head fall on her breast with a gesture of despair. "Do you recognise the handkerchief now?" asked Fanks, with merciless deliberation. "Yes! It is mine!" "Do you know where it was found?" "No!" "It was found in the sitting-room of Mr. Melstane by this gentleman," said Octavius, pointing to Judas. She raised her eyes, and her glance followed the direction of his outstretched finger. Hate, contempt, dread, and defiance were all expressed in that rapid look, and Judas shrank back with a feeble smile from the scathing scorn in her eyes. "This being the case, Miss Varlins," resumed Fanks, coolly, "it is useless for you to deny that you were at Binter's boarding-house on the night in question." "I do deny it!" she said, resolutely. "I was not at Binter's any night during November; I never saw Mr. Melstane during November. I know nothing about his death!" Octavius laid the handkerchief on the table with a resolute expression. "I see I must refresh your memory, Miss Varlins," he said, coolly. "Sebastian Melstane died at Jarlchester on the 13th of November by taking, in all innocence, a morphia pill, which was placed among certain tonic pills he was in the habit of taking. When I find the person who placed the two morphia pills in the box I find the murderer of Sebastian Melstane. Monsieur Guinaud will now resume the story." Monsieur Judas bowed his head gracefully, and spoke slowly in his vile English. "At the nights before my frien' Melstane go to Jarlcesterre une dame find him chez lui. I at de vinda stay and overt mes yeux. Mon ami, ce cher Sebastian does go from ze appartement an' zen behold moi ze dame plaze dans un boite à pilules quelque chose, je ne sais quoi." "Speak English, if you please," said Fanks, sharply.