"No," she said at length; "that is all over.
I think no more explanation need be made.
But with regard to Dane.
He told me that Denham had come to England to see about the money left to Daisy Kent.
He disguised himself as Wilson and lodged at a Mrs. Benker's.
Then he went down to Rickwell, and——"
"And murdered Daisy," interposed Giles eagerly.
"So I said, Mr. Ware; but Dane, who seems devoted in a way to Denham, denies that he struck the blow."
"Does he know who did?"
"No.
He says Denham doesn't know either."
"Denham's a bigger scoundrel than you think," said Giles, recalling his last conversation at the Priory. "He accuses Anne of murdering the girl."
"He'll have to prove it, then," said Olga coolly, while her mother shrieked. "I'll be able to save Anne, never fear.
However, Dane told me that the red cross was the badge of a thieves' gang.
Denham had a yacht called The Red Cross, which goes from one port to another to take stolen goods on board."
"That's what Steel says."
"Of course.
Dane told him when he taxed him with it.
The boy, for he is just twenty-five, told me everything."
"And you told Steel," said Ware, rather reproachfully.
"I had to tell Steel, if I wished to save Anne," retorted Olga; "but I asked him to do nothing to imperil the liberty of Mark Dane."
"Did he promise that?"
"Yes.
Dane saw him in Bournemouth.
I told him to call with a note, which I gave him.
Dane did not know why he was sent, and when he discovered that Steel was a detective, he became afraid.
I believe he told something, but he afterwards ran away."
"He doesn't trust you any longer perhaps," said the Princess.
"From his attitude last night I think he does, although he was a trifle reproachful.
He will come if Steel has written a letter to call him here in my name.
Then I daresay he will be able to explain why he took Anne away."
"Will he do so?"
"Ah! that is what we must find out." Olga paused, then continued. "I wanted Steel to learn all he could from Dane about Denham, as I wish to see that man arrested."
"Nothing would give me greater pleasure," cried the Princess.
"I thought of that. Denham tried to ruin your mother."
"And he did—he did!" she said bitterly.
"He tried, or rather he is trying, to ruin Anne also," said Olga. "For these reasons I wish Steel to find evidence against him, so that he may be arrested and made to confess his wickedness.
Dane is the one who can tell most about him, and I think Dane will, for since Denham got the Powell money he had not behaved very well."
While they were thus talking a knock came to the door.
The servant entered with a card, which she presented on a salver to her mistress.
Olga, who was thoroughly worn out, took it languidly, then suddenly became excited.
"He is here!" she said. "Mark Dane is here!" _____
CHAPTER XXIII
MARK DANE
When Olga announced the name of her visitor, the Princess rose to leave the room.
She explained that she did not think it was in keeping with the dignity of her position to meet every shady person who called, and added that her daughter was not behaving in a way worthy of her name and princely family.
When she departed Olga looked inquiringly at Ware. He swiftly interpreted her look.
"I shall stop," he said promptly. "I am only too anxious to help you."
Olga came forward and took his hand.
"And you forgive me?" she asked.