I came on that night and saw Morley and him at the window of the library in Morley's house.
When I gave my message about the yacht I returned to Tilbury, and then crossed to the boat.
I never killed the girl, by the memory of my mother!"
"You seem to be speaking the truth," said Giles quickly. "Did you enter the library?
The girl was killed by a stiletto torn from the trophy of arms near the desk."
"I was not in the library.
Morley would not allow me to enter.
He and Denham spoke to me on the terrace.
When a noise was heard at the door—I believe now it was Miss Anne who was entering—Morley gave me the tip to get away."
"Was the stiletto in its place?"
"I don't know.
I never noticed."
"Do you think Morley killed the girl?"
"Either he or Denham," replied Dane decisively; "and I think it was the latter.
When I heard of the crime being committed, I saw Mrs. Morley and asked her if her husband was guilty.
She denied it, saying that he was in the library all the time.
She came down and saw him."
"She might do that to save her husband."
Dane shook his head.
"I don't think she was fond enough of him for that, sir," he answered. "She was when he married her; but he treated her so badly—as I was told by Denham—that she grew to hate him.
He spent her money, and behaved like the brute he is.
For the sake of her children she said nothing, but she was fond of Miss Kent, and I don't think she would have defended him if a charge of killing the girl had been made."
"Did Mrs. Morley know anything about the gang?"
"No, she knew nothing.
Morley always took good care to keep her in ignorance.
She knew no more of his secret life than Miss Anne did of Denham's.
Both men were very clever in concealing that which they did not want to be known.
But you believe that I am innocent of this charge?"
"Yes.
You can face Denham when you return and ask him what are his grounds for accusing you."
"If ever I do come back," said Dane gloomily. And the conversation ended for the time being.
Dane made himself very useful on board, and Calthorpe took quite a fancy to him.
In addition to his other gifts he proved to be an excellent sailor.
It seems that he had run away from home, and had worked for some years before the mast as a common seaman.
He now wished to do what he could on board The Firefly, and chummed with the crew.
So great a favorite did he become with Calthorpe that when he asked to be allowed to steer, the favor was readily granted to him, and he proved very proficient.
Certainly Calthorpe did not know he was a suspected murderer and had been a thief, and neither Steel nor Giles said anything about this.
Steel, indeed, still held to the belief that Dane was guilty; but Ware laughed at him.
"You said that Miss Anne was guilty," he declared; "then you believed that Denham had struck the blow; now you are convinced that Dane is the criminal.
For my part I believe Denham to be guilty."
"He may be," replied Steel, with a shrug. "I am so puzzled over this case that I am prepared for any development.
At all events, Denham is being looked after.
He can't escape me, whether he is merely a thief or really the murderer we are in search of."
When The Firefly got into the Bay of Biscay the weather was worse than ever.
Giles was pleased, as Calthorpe told him that there was the better chance of catching The Dark Horse before she reached her port of destination.
Once on Spanish soil and Giles feared lest Morley should carry Anne off to the mountains.
He was such a scoundrel, and so clever, that it might be possible he had confederates at Bilbao to help him to carry out any scheme he might suggest.
Giles wished to catch him before he had time to formulate any new villainy.
At all events, Morley would never think that they had tracked him so speedily, or had followed so rapidly. It was unlikely that he would use the yacht to the fullest extent of her steaming powers.
In the centre of the Bay The Firefly was caught by the full force of the storm.