Hardened as he was, Field started. This information was unexpected as it
was dramatic.

"I am not speaking idly," Beatrice went on. "I came back here, directly
my father's death came to my ears. In his room I found a telegram. It
was dated yesterday, the hour was clearly marked upon it--about ten
o'clock yesterday morning. That telegram was addressed to my husband; it
was found by me close to my father's body. The doctor said that Sir
Charles had been dead some hours before he was discovered. Therefore I
had conclusive proof in my hands that my husband had seen my father's
corpse and that he had stolen out of the room and said nothing, knowing
that I should never be his wife if he spoke the truth."

"It seems almost incredible," Field muttered. "What did Mr. Richford
say?"

"What could he do or say beyond admitting the truth of my accusation?
Even his cunning failed before the production of that fateful telegram.
He had to admit everything, he had to admit that the telegram belonged
to him, that he had occasion to see my father very early on pressing
business, and that he had not raised the alarm because he knew if he did
so he would lose me. At one time the suite of rooms in which we stand
was rented by Mr. Richford; indeed his term has not expired yet, and
that is why my father came here. I can tell you little if any more. What
I said to my husband does not matter in the least. I told him plainly
that I had done with him, and I hope that I may never see him again."

Field had few questions to ask further. A hundred theories were flying
through his nimble brain. Beatrice seemed to divine something of this.

"In common fairness I am bound to say that Mr. Richford could have had
nothing to do with my father's death," she said. "In the first place he
had everything to gain by Sir Charles keeping his health. I know the
doctors are suspicious that there is foul play somewhere, but recollect
that they are prepared to swear to my father's death some hours before
his body was found. A little before ten, Mr. Richford must have been at
home or he could never have had that telegram. Therefore it was after
ten before he sought out my father, who, according to the medical view
of the cause, had passed away hours before."

"That is very cleverly and logically reasoned," Field said, not without
admiration. "And in any case Mr. Richford would be able to give a really
convincing account of the reason why he remained silent--espec