"Not I. A respectable practitioner like myself has no business to be mixed up in such criminality. Hitherto I have been the sleeping partner in this affair, and you have carried through my ideas excellently well. Continue to do so, and then come and tell me all about it." "Very pleasant for you," I grumbled; "but I have all the hard work." Merrick laughed and pushed me out of the door. He had a dozen patients waiting, and could spare no more time. He said one last word before I left. "Oh, by the way, Denham," said he, lifting a warning forefinger, "don't you trust that Rose Gernon in the least. I've been making inquiries about her, and she has a black record--about the worst in London, I should say." On my way to Jermyn Street I wondered how he had gained this information. A specialist of Merrick's standing does not go round making inquiries about loose characters. Yet I knew he spoke the truth. His faculty for learning things was marvelous. Decidedly, Merrick should have been a detective. His opinion about Rose Gernon coincided with mine. One had only to look in her face to see what she was. At Jermyn Street I found Francis, eagerly waiting for my arrival. "I've sent down to the Marshminster police," said he quickly, "and instructed them to drag the pool near the Fen Inn." "I am afraid you'll get into trouble over that, Briarfield." "I don't care," said Francis doggedly. "I have been a coward too long. Had I trusted you, and told all, there would not have been this trouble. If the police arrest me, they can just do so, and I'll leave it to you to see me through." "I hope we'll learn the truth from Rose to-day." "It's possible, but not probable. She'll lie like the devil, whose daughter she is." "I'm not too sure of that. If she is guiltless, she'll be only too anxious to save her own neck. Why should she risk her liberty for the sake of this man Strent? Who is he?" "I haven't the least idea." "Then we'll make Rose tell today--or have her arrested." "There is not sufficient evidence against her," objected Francis. "Yes, there is. I'll take the risk of all that. Before Rose Gernon leaves this room she has to confess the truth. It's your only chance of safety." "But you don't believe I killed Felix?" "I don't, but the police may. You forget how highly suspicious all your actions have been. Rose knows you have been passing as your brother, and will be sure to make capital out of it." "You'll see me through, Denham?" he said, taking my hand. "You can be sure of that," I answered, shaking it heartily. "I won't rest till you are safe, and the murderer of your brother is in jail." "Who killed him, do you think?" "I don't know, but Rose does, and we'll make her tell!" We discussed the matter extensively, but neither of us could come to any conclusion. When the clock struck noon, Rose Gernon, true to her appointment, walked into the room. Without waiting for an invitation she sat down in a chair and scowled at me.