persons whose signatures I had copied, of property situated in
London. This property was in the possession of a girl there. I was to
draft these, and sign the proper names to them as grantors and
witnesses. We would go to London, and at the right time begin the action
for the possession of the property. He did not imagine the case ever
would come to trial, but I must wait until advised to quit. My pay would
be one thousand pounds and all expenses. He said the girl's title was
defective, but that easily could be remedied. In the mean time my family
must be provided for. 'Take these to bind the bargain.'

"What could I do but accept the offer and the money? It is easy for
those having life's comforts and luxuries to be honest. What idea have
such of temptation's power? Look in haggard, despairing face of wife and
hear the cries of hungry children! Then be honest! Refuse to stain your
soul for bread! I tell you, hunger has no soul!"

Overpowered by passionate memories, he fell back exhausted. Tears were
streaming down the cheeks of Esther. Sir Donald's vision was obscured by
mists. He turned away his face.

Punish such criminal? It is more likely that both these would incur
liability as "accessories after the fact."

In a few minutes strength for further confessions returned.

"I often met Pierre and Paul Lanier in Calcutta. Neither of them told me
directly that Paul desired to marry Alice Webster, but I was sure that
this was the wish of both. I thought that if the marriage occurred,
there would be a dismissal of the action, otherwise it would be pressed.
In this I was but partly right. They never intended the case should be
tried. It was begun to bring about the marriage. When Alice was drowned
and the case was set for trial, it had to be dismissed. Paul and his
father were with me when I told the solicitors to quit.

"I heard Paul tell his father before Alice Webster's death that they
would never hear from that girl again. She was at the bottom of the
lake. Pierre Lanier replied:

"'It is bad business, Paul, but can't be helped. Better an accident than
intentionally, my boy.'

"They never knew I heard their talk. I suspected some foul play, but was
surprised to have Alice and the rest of you pointed out after your
arrival in London.

"Paul, his father, and I often met in London, but without being seen
together. After it was rumored that Alice and Oswald Langdon had been
drowned in the Thames, I felt much worri