As
it is, I have taken the right measures to assure Mr. James Smith
that he will not be treated according to his deserts. When he
knows what the circumstances are, he will trust us--supposing
always that we can find him. The search about this neighborhood
has been quite useless. I have sent private instructions by
to-day's post to Mr. Dark in London, and with them a
carefully-worded form of advertisement for the public newspapers.
You may rest assured that every human means of tracing him will
be tried forthwith. In the meantime, I have an important question
to put to you about Josep hine. She may know more than we think
she does; she may have surprised the secret of the second
marriage, and may be keeping it in reserve to use against us. If
this should turn out to be the case, I shall want some other
chance against her besides the chance of indicting her for
perjury. As to her motive now for making this horrible
accusation, what can you tell me about that, William?"
"Her motive against me, sir?"
"No, no, not against you. I can see plainly enough that she
accuses you because it is necessary to do so to add to the
probability of her story, which, of course, assumes that you
helped your mistress to dispose of the dead body. You are coolly
sacrificed to some devilish vengeance against her mistress.
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