They certainly travelled with the murdered man; and a friend of
his called Gestre, just back from Marseilles, has sworn that these
persons were formerly partners of Janson, the deceased. If Janson stole
the necklace from Monsieur du Laurier, with this pair as accomplices,
and then tried to cheat them, a motive for the crime is evident. And we
are getting at Janson's record, which seems to be a bad one--a notorious
one throughout Europe, if he proves to be the man we think. I hope,
really, that in a very few days Mr. Dundas may be able to thank you in
person for what you've done for him, and--to tell you what has become of
those letters."
"What good will their destruction do me, though, if you are not
merciful?"
"I intend to be, for I can combine mercy with justice. Dear
Mademoiselle, Monsieur du Laurier need never know the circumstances you
have told to me, or that the Englishman's alibi has been proved by you.
The arrest of these two men in Frankfort will, I feel sure, help the
police to keep your secret as you would keep it yourself. Now, will that
assurance make it easier for you to put your whole soul into your part
to-night?"
"If you will accept that box," I said, letting him kiss my hand, and
feeling inclined to kiss his.
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