She quite forgot that Jerry had told her Durban was waiting to see her. But the old servant was on the watch. Hardly had she set foot on the terrace when he issued from the house; and came towards her with a smile. It died away, however, when he saw her pale face. "Whatever is the matter, missy?" he asked anxiously, Beatrice looked at him calmly, and wasted no time in explaining herself. "I have learned at last what you would not tell me." "Missy!" cried Durban, and his swarthy face grew green, as it always did when he was startled. "I am the daughter of Colonel Hall, who was murdered here. My mother was really Mrs. Hall, who called herself Mrs. Hedge and married Alpenny!" Durban gasped. "Who told you this?" "Orchard, who was the butler here, and now is a shepherd on the Downs." "It is true," said Durban, flinging wide his hands. "I knew you would find out. I am glad you have found out." "Why did you not tell me?" "I was prevented." "By whom?" "First by Alpenny, and then by Major Ruck." "The man with whom my mother was about to elope?" Durban looked at her swiftly. "Orchard never told you that?" "No. Mrs. Snow told me." "You have seen her. Then you know?" "I know that she accuses my mother of the crime--of the murder of my father, Colonel Hall." "That is a lie," said Durban between his teeth. "But she would not stick at a lie to harm your mother." "How can she harm the dead?" "She might harm the memory of the dead," said Durban evasively. "And what else have you heard?" "From Mr. Jerry Snow, I have just heard that there is a gang of thieves in London called the Black Patch Gang." "Augh!" groaned Durban, casting down his eyes. "Go on." "Mr. Alpenny is connected with them. Mr. Snow says that he was a fence who disposed of stolen goods." "Where did Mr. Snow hear this story?" "From various people in Whitechapel." "Rumours only," said Durban, striving to appear calm; "there is not a word of truth in it. Mr. Alpenny was wicked, but not so bad as that, missy. I swear it." "I believe that Mr. Snow has spoken the truth," said Beatrice sharply. "You are still trying to keep me in the dark." "For your good, missy--for your good." "Or for Mr. Paslow's safety--which?" "I don't know what you mean," gasped Durban hoarsely. "I don't know myself exactly, since you will not be candid," said the girl wearily; "but I have found out much, and I shall find more. When I discover that necklace----" "The Obi necklace? You have never found that?" "No. But I am looking for it." "Missy, do not. I implore you, do not. There is a curse on that necklace. It caused the death of your father, the disgrace of your mother, and the murder of Mr. Alpenny." "How do you know that? Had Mr. Alpenny the necklace?" "Yes. Your mother gave it to Alpenny for you." "Then where is it?"