I have a remarkably keen sense of smell, and, as scent is
a most powerful aid to memory, I speedily recollected that you used this
especial perfume. You told me a few moments ago that no one else
used it, and so you have proved the truth of my statement that this
letter"--he tapped it--"is written by you."

"It's a lie--a mistake," stuttered Mrs. Jasher, now at bay and looking
dangerous. Her society veneer was stripped off, and the adventuress pure
and simple came to the surface.

Indignant at the way in which she had deceived everyone, and having much
at stake, Random did not spare her.

"It is not a mistake," he insisted; "neither is it a lie. When I became
aware that you must have written the letter, I drove at once to Jessum
to see if you had gone to London, as you had posted it there. I learned
from the station master and from a porter that you went to town by the
seven o'clock train and returned by the midnight."

Mrs. Jasher leaped to her feet.

"They could not recognize me. I wore--" Then she stopped, confused at
having so plainly betrayed herself.

"You wore a veil. All the same, Mrs. Jasher, you are too well known
hereabouts for anyone to fail to recognize you. Besides, your remark
just now proves that I am right. You wrote this blackmailing letter, and
I demand an explanation."

"I have none to give," muttered the woman fiercely, and fighting every
inch.

"If you refuse to explain to me you shall to the police," said Sir
Frank, rising and making for the door.

Mrs. Jasher flung herself forward and clung to him.

"For God's sake, don't!"

"Then you will explain? You will tell me?"

"Tell you what?"

"Who murdered Sidney Bolton."

"I do not know. I swear I do not know," she cried feverishly.

"That is ridiculous," said Random coldly. "You say in this letter that
you can hang me or save me. As you know that I am innocent, you must be
aware who is guilty."

"It's all bluff. I know nothing," said Mrs. Jasher, releasing his arm
and throwing herself on the couch. "I only wished to get money."

"Five thousand pounds--eh? Rather a large order," sneered Random,
replacing the letter in his pocket. "You would not ask that sum for
nothing: you must be aware of the truth. I suspected many people, Mrs.
Jasher, but never you."

The woman rose and flung out her arms.

"No," she said in a deep voice, and fighting like a rat in a corner. "I
tricked you all down here. Sir Frank, I will tell you the truth