I will not destroy the marriage certificate, but place it with these
papers, so that the truth of my story can be seen. In conclusion, I
would ask forgiveness of my daughter Margaret for my sins, which have
been visited on her, but she can see for herself that
circumstances were too strong for me. May she forgive me, as I hope God
in His infinite mercy will, and may she come sometimes and pray over my
grave, nor think too hardly upon her dead father."
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE HANDS OF JUSTICE.
Calton's voice faltered a little when he read those last sad words, and
he laid the manuscript down on the table, amid a dead silence, which
was first broken by Brian.
"Thank God," he said, reverently, "thank God that he was innocent of
the crime!"
"No," said Calton, a little cynically, "the riddle which has perplexed
us so long is read, and the Sphinx is silent for evermore."
"I knew he was incapable of such a thing," cried Chinston, whom emotion
had hitherto kept silent.
Meanwhile Kilsip listened to these eulogistic remarks on the dead man,
and purred to himself, in a satisfied sort of way, like a cat who has
caught a mouse.
"You see, sir," he said, addressing the barrister, "I was right after
all."
"Yes," answered Calton, frankly, "I acknowledge my defeat, but now--"
"I'm going to arrest Moreland right off," said Kilsip.
There was a silence for a few moments, and then Calton spoke again.
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