"That was wise," said Mrs. Jarsell, with an effort. "And the safe keeping?" "Oh, I shall only tell the whereabouts of the confession and the name of the person who holds it when there is no necessity for the confession to be used." "I don't see quite what you mean, Mr. Halliday." "Well, you see, Mrs. Jarsell, I have to protect myself and Miss Moon from the machinations of the society. The person who holds the confession will not open the sealed envelope in which it is placed unless something happens to Miss Moon or to myself. Therefore, so long as no member of the gang hurts us, the secrets of the gang are quite safe." To his attentive ear it seemed that Mrs. Jarsell drew a long breath of relief. With a command of herself which did her credit, she displayed no emotion, but observed playfully, "It is very clever of you and very wise to guard yourself in this way. Certainly the gang cannot hurt you in any way so long as there is danger of the confession being opened in the event of things happening to you or to Miss Moon. Suppose the confession is a very dreadful one, Mr. Halliday?" "It is not so dreadful or so full as I should like it to be," said Dan, in his calmest manner, "but there is sufficient set down to warrant the interference of the authorities. If that confession comes into the hands of the Scotland Yard officials, they can lay hands on the gang;" he was bluffing when he said this, as he was not quite sure if Curberry had not let Mrs. Jarsell know that the confession--as Curberry thought--had been destroyed. "I think the police should know," said Mrs. Jarsell, rising. "Thank you for nothing," said Dan, following her example, "but, if I move in the matter, I run the risk of death. Besides, I may accept the offer of the society. Who knows?" "Don't do that," implored Mrs. Jarsell, so earnestly that Dan was convinced Curberry had not told her of any confession, "it's so wicked." "Perhaps it is. However, if the society leave me and Miss Moon alone, the confession won't be opened and the gang is safe. Otherwise----" "Otherwise the whole association will be exposed to the danger of arrest," said Mrs. Jarsell, lightly, "well, it sounds all very dreadful to a country lady as I am. I wish you had not told me. Why did you tell me?" "Because," said Dan, ironically, "I look upon you as a friend." Mrs. Jarsell's face cleared and she smiled. "I am your friend," she said in an emphatic way, "and, believe me when I say that I am sure Miss Moon is safe." "Thank you," replied Dan, agreeably, "I am sure also." Then they parted with mutual compliments, smiles and handshakes. CHAPTER XVII AT BAY