from Pierre Lanier! Dear old Pierre Lanier saved my Mary and the
children! Put that down! Yes, the old rascal saved Mary and the children
from starving! Put that down! Old Pierre saved me from being a murderer!
Write that in the book, too! No, I never struck either of them! It was
Paul Lanier! He murdered them! Your boy is not a murderer! Mother, I am
innocent! Mary's folks said William Dodge could not provide for Mary! I
did though! But Mary cried about the children! How Mary and the children
ate that night! I got it all from dear old Pierre Lanier!"

There was another pause, and the delirious man seemed to sleep. Suddenly
he struck his clenched hand upon the spread and stared wildly.

"You miserable murderer! Keep that money, and I will hang you! Send it
to me, or I will tell how Paul killed Alice Webster and Oswald Langdon!
That's right! Pay me, and it's all right! I'll never squeal! I need it
for Mary and the children! They'll be happy now!"

Sir Donald and Esther make daily calls until it is safe to see their
interesting invalid. Recovery is slow. Sir Donald broaches the subject
of the Thames tragedy. Dodge does not remember much of his former talk,
but seems willing to divulge all he knows. He trusts that these kind
friends will not betray his confidence. The Laniers would murder him if
they heard.

Receiving positive assurance that there will be nothing said until Dodge
is consulted, the narrative is again begun. Sir Donald tells him the
substance of former statements.

"Well, I will complete the horrible story, relying on your promise never
to tell without my consent. Those Laniers would surely find a swift way
of silencing me if they knew I had told. Often I am afraid that they
will have me assassinated, anyhow.

"Both of them came together to my hiding-place, much excited. My case
against Alice was set for trial. Her barrister had procured the setting.
They were much perplexed at this, and wondered if Alice and Oswald had
turned up. Both were pale, and Paul trembled violently. He was not
shamming this time. His father was nervous, but advised Paul to keep
cool or all would be lost. We went together that night to see my
solicitors. Pierre said he had seen them before, and that they would be
in their office waiting for me. Pierre and Paul were disguised. I was to
tell the solicitors that the case should be dismissed, as my witnesses
could not be found.

"We entered the office, and found both solicitors