"I knew you would find out the truth the moment Mrs. Franklin, or rather, I should say the Princess Karacsay, discovered me.
She has told you all and has put you on my track."
"Dane put me on your track."
"Dane?
Well, I'm not surprised.
He's a scoundrel.
King's evidence, I suppose?
I'll defeat him, Steel.
Take a seat and I'll tell you all about myself."
Very much surprised at this calmness the two men sat down.
Denham waved his daughter out of the room.
She was unwilling to go, but a glance sent her away.
When she closed the door Denham turned to Giles.
"When you marry Anne, Mr. Ware," said he, "ask her to look after my poor daughter."
"How do you know I shall ever marry Anne?"
"Because you are a determined man.
Men like you usually do get their own way.
You intend to marry Anne Franklin and you will.
But Portia has been good to Anne, and when I am in prison I hope Anne will take care of her."
"I'll see to that," said Giles. "I don't believe that the sins of the father should be visited on the children.
Do you know where Anne has got to?
She went away with Morley."
At the sound of this name Denham's face grew black.
"I wish I knew where Morley is," he said vehemently. "I would give him up to the police with pleasure.
On the evening of the day Anne escaped he came here with his wife.
When she left he had a quarrel with me, saying I had done wrong in letting Anne go.
We fought, and he threw me down the stairs.
My leg is broken, and so I could not get away from the police. Well, I give myself up.
It is rather hard after I have done so much to get the money I wanted."
"Even to committing a murder," said Steel.
"No," said Denham decisively; "I did not kill Daisy Kent.
She was murdered by—but I'll tell you that later.
In the meantime, Mr. Ware, tell me what the Princess told you, and I'll supply the details she doubtless has omitted. Then Steel can follow with his tale."
Giles had no hesitation in complying with this request.
He narrated his connection with Olga and the story told by her mother.
Also he detailed how he had confided in Morley, thinking him an honorable man.
This was the only time when Denham smiled, and he did smile derisively.
However, he did not interrupt, but when Giles was finished looked at Steel. That gentleman gave a history of his doings and discoveries.
He omitted all mention of Morley. Denham noted this.
"I see you have left something for me to tell," he said. "Well, as I am like a rat in a corner, I must give in.
The end has come, and I don't know that I am sorry.
I have had a very uneasy life of it since I left Jamaica.
And, as usual, it was a woman who ruined me."
"Not the Princess Karacsay," said Giles quickly.
"Yes.
You heard her version of the story, now hear mine.
She led me on, she behaved badly, she——"
"I don't believe you.
I won't listen."
"Very good.