"What's the good of all this conjecturing?" said Chinston, impatiently,
now thoroughly tired of the discussion. "Read the confession, and we
will soon know the truth, without all this talk."
Calton assented, and all having settled themselves to listen, he began
to read what the dead man had written.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE CONFESSION.
"What I am now about to write is set forth by me so that the true
circumstances connected with the 'Hansom Cab Tragedy,' which took place
in Melbourne in 18--, may be known. I owe a confession, particularly
to Brian Fitzgerald, seeing that he was accused of the crime. Although
I know he was rightfully acquitted of the charge, yet I wish him to
know all about the case, though I am convinced, from his altered
demeanour towards me, that he is better acquainted with it than he
chooses to confess. In order to account for the murder of Oliver Whyte,
I must go back to the beginning of my life in this colony, and show how
the series of events began which culminated in the committal of the
crime.
"Should it be necessary to make this confession public, in the
interests of justice, I can say nothing against such a course being
taken; but I would be grateful if it could be suppressed, both on
account of my good name and of my dear daughter Margaret, whose love
and affection has so soothed and brightened my life.
"If, however, she should be informed of the contents of these pages, I
ask her to deal leniently with the memory of one who was sorely tried
and tempted.
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