He said that it belonged to a friend.
We departed in the yacht and went to a French port, then on to Paris."
"And it was from Paris that you sent me the drawing of the coin."
"Yes; I knew that appearances were against me, and could not bear to think that you should believe me guilty.
I did not dare to send any letter, but I knew you would recognize the drawing of the Edward VII. coin, and so sent it as you saw."
"How long did you stay in Paris?"
"For some weeks.
Then we went to Italy, to Florence."
"Wasn't your father recognized?"
"No; he had altered his appearance.
He gave me no reason at first for doing this, but afterwards told me that he was engaged in a political conspiracy, something to do with the Anarchists."
"Is the red cross the symbol of some society?"
"I can't say.
He refused to explain the mystery of the cross to me.
I admit fully, Giles, that I cannot understand my father.
His ways are strange, and he leads a most peculiar life.
Afterwards George Franklin, my uncle, came to England and inherited the property.
My father sent me to him with an explanation.
My uncle refused to believe that I was guilty, and gave me shelter in his house until such time as my character could be cleared.
I came over and have been hiding in the Priory ever since.
I was so sorry for poor Daisy and for her unexpected death that I came to see after her grave.
I found it neglected, and thus went to clean it, as you see.
Portia, my cousin, has been very good to me.
I have stayed in all day and have walked out in the evening.
No one knows that I am here.
No one will ever know unless you tell."
"I tell?
Anne, what do you take me for?
I will keep quiet until I can clear your character, and make you my wife."
"You must not see me again."
"No," sighed Giles, "it will not be wise.
But can't you tell me who killed Daisy, and thus clear yourself?"
Anne shook her head.
"I wish I could.
But my father declares that he came out to see the girl, and found her already dead on the grave face downwards.
She had been killed during the time he waited behind.
He saw that there was a danger of his being accused of the crime, since he had asked her to leave the church.
Thus it was that he lost his presence of mind and called on me to save him.
I did so on the impulse of the moment, and thus it all came about."
"Where is your father now?"
Anne thought for a moment.
"I would tell you if I knew," she said seriously, "as I know you will not betray him.
But I don't know where he is.
Since I have been here I have not heard a word from him."
"Your uncle?"
"If my uncle knew, he would hand my father over to the police.
He hates him; but he is always kind to me."
"Anne, I wonder if your uncle killed Daisy to inherit the money?"
"No; he was in Italy at the time.
I am sure of that."