Allen related the episode of the pistol, and how he found that the bullet which killed Strode would not fit the barrel. "So you see my father thought he had killed him, and when this cross was sent----" "What cross?" asked Mask, looking up quickly. "I forgot. I thought you knew." And Allen related everything in detail. Mask heard the story with his chin on his hand, and in silence. Even when in full possession of the facts he did not speak. Allen grew impatient. "What do you think?" Mask moved a few papers hither and thither, but did not look straight at his visitor. "It's a mystery," he said. "I know not what to say. But I am perfectly sure of one thing," he added with emphasis, "that your father never shot Strode----" "I said so. The bullet that went through the heart did not fit the barrel of my revolver." "You misunderstand me. I don't even believe that your father fired the shot which ripped the flesh of the arm. Why, Strode was his best friend and he was devoted to him." "My father to Strode, or Strode to my father?" "Both ways you can take it. Why, it was Strode brought about the marriage between your parents." "My mother told me how the marriage came about," said Allen quickly, "but I understood that my father acted from a chivalrous motive." Mask's lip curled. "I fear not," he said, "there were circumstances connected with your mother----" Allen shifted himself uneasily and grew red. "I know--I know," he said sharply, "my mother told me about the necklace. Surely you did not believe her guilty, Mr. Mask?" "No," said the lawyer emphatically, "I certainly did not. I can't say who stole the necklace, but it was lost and the thief has never been found. As to the marriage"--he waved his hand--"Strode brought it about--at least he told me so. How he managed I can't say, unless it was that he used his influence over your father." "My mother believes----" "I know. All the more credit to her. But we can discuss this on some more fitting occasion. Meantime we must talk of your father. I don't see why you shouldn't see him," said Mask musingly. "Give me his address." "Humph," said the lawyer, smiling slightly. "I'll see. But about this murder? Your father did not kill the man." "No," said Allen sharply, "I swear he did not." "Quite so. Well, who did, and what was the motive?" "Robbery was the motive," said Allen, taking a letter out of his pocket. "Read this, I received it from Miss Strode." Mask took the letter, but did not read it immediately. "I don't believe the motive was robbery," he declared deliberately; "Strode had little money. He certainly brought a hundred or so from Africa and I cashed his letters of credit." "Did you give him the money in notes?" "Yes; and what is more I have the numbers of the notes. I see what you mean: you fancy the notes were stolen and that the criminal can thus be traced." "Read the letter," said Allen impatiently.