Page:The Black Moth.pdf/50

"You know how fond of Jack Dare was? He tried to bluster it off-tried to get control over the affair. It was to no avail. We were puppets, worked by that devil, Belmanoir! One man managing that ghastly He pointed out that only three of us had used that pack: Jack, Milward and I. scene. "Jack laughed. "Next you will accuse Dick!' he snapped scorn- fully. "One of you, certainly,' smiled Andover. 'Or Milward.' " realised that one of us three must 'Then everyone have marked the cards. Milward was upset, but no one suspected him. It was Jack-or me. "As long as I live I shall never forget the horror of those moments. If I were exposed it meant the I tell end of everything between Lavinia and me. you, Warburton, I would have committed any sin at that moment! Nothing would have been too black -I could not bear to lose her. You don't know what she meant to me!" "I can guess, sir," said the lawyer, gravely "No, no! No one could imagine the depths of my love for her! I think not even Jack. his hand leave my shoulder. I felt The truth had dawned on him. I heard the way the breath hissed Somehow I between his teeth as he realised. got to my feet, clutching at the table, facing him. I don't excuse myself-I know my conduct was beyond words dastardly. I looked across at him- just said his name, as though I could scarce believe my ears. So all those watching thought. But Jack knew better. He knew I was imploring him to save He understood all that I was trying to convey I thought to him. For an instant he stared at me. -I thought-God forgive me, I prayed that he might take the blame on himself. Then he smiled. Coward though I was, when I saw that hurt, wistful little smile on his lips, I nearly blurted out the whole me.