Page:The Clue of the Twisted Candle (1916).djvu/349

candle should have bent and the alarm be given in the very office in which I was sitting.

"I assure you all in all earnestness that I did not suspect the cause of that ringing until Mr. Mansus spoke.

"There, gentlemen, is my story!" He threw out his arms.

"You may do with me as you will. Kara was a murderer, dyed a hundred times in innocent blood. I have done all that I set myself to do—that and no more—that and no less. I had thought to go away to America, but the nearer the day of my departure approached, the more vivid became the memory of the plans which she and I had formed, my girl ... my poor martyred girl!"

He sat at the little table, his hands clasped before him, his face lined and white.

"And that is the end!" he said suddenly, with a wry smile.

"Not quite!"

T. X. swung round with a gasp. It was Belinda Mary who spoke.