"So far so good," said Norwood. "But now for your strong reasons not to tell the real name of the dead woman?" Myles grew pale again, and bit his nether lip fiercely. Then he turned towards May and took both her hands. "Can you bear a shock?" he asked, looking searchingly at her. "Yes," she replied faintly. "Good heavens!" thought Norwood. "Surely he isn't going to confess he murdered the woman himself?" Myles paused a moment, and was then about to speak, when the door of the cell was opened and Dowker entered in a state of suppressed excitement. "Good morning, Miss Penfold and gentlemen," he said rapidly. "I have some news--good news--for you!" "About what?" asked Norwood curiously. "This Jermyn Street case," replied Dowker. "I have been to see Lord Calliston, and found out his movements on that night." "Do they incriminate him?" asked Norwood. "If they did it would not much matter," replied the detective, "for I have discovered the real criminal." "What?" cried Norwood and Miss Penfold, while Myles said nothing, but fixed his eyes eagerly on Dowker's face. "Yes--she has confessed." "She!" cried May. "Is it a woman?" "It is--Lena Sarschine!" "Lena Sarschine!" echoed the three in astonishment. "The same. She has confessed that she followed her sister on that night and killed her through jealousy." "What weapon did she use?" asked Desmond, disbelievingly. "This," replied Dowker, and produced the dagger Lena had thrown at his feet. "Do you believe this story?" asked Desmond, looking at Dowker. "At first I did not believe one word," answered the detective slowly, "but I am now doubtful, as I don't see what she would gain by confessing herself guilty of a crime she had not committed." "I can tell you what she would gain," said Desmond vehemently. "Yes--she loves Calliston devotedly, and thought you were trying to bring home the crime to him. Did she overhear your conversation?" "Some of it," admitted Dowker reluctantly. "Then that explains all," said Myles triumphantly. "She thought Calliston was in danger of being arrested for the murder, and swore she did it order to save him. Remember she has an excitable nature, and her nerves are overstrung with the horror of her sister's death. Ten to one she did not know what she was saying." "But this dagger?" began Norwood. "Pish!" retorted Myles. "I don't believe that toy had anything to do with it. Find out if it's poisoned, for I'll stake my existence it is not. No; Lena Sarschine did not commit the crime!" "You seem to be very certain," said Dowker. "Perhaps you can tell me who did?"