y have
been through either ignorance or craft. If the former, then Dodge only
partly has confessed; if the latter, there is great and imminent peril.

That Sir Donald Randolph had some part in this affair is evident. His
and Esther's presence in Calcutta and the search for Mary Dodge are
conclusive.

Why is William Dodge still held in custody? Did those who advised the
arrests counsel his further detention in hope of more complete
confession? Is he held awaiting stronger proofs as to the plot against
the property of Alice Webster? Perhaps he is to be tried as principal
in that crime, and they are to be arrested later as accessories. If the
bodies of Alice and Oswald have not been found, perhaps there are no
satisfactory proofs of these murders. William Dodge has no evidence of
Paul's guilt, but doubtless suspects the truth. The arraignment of Dodge
on the charge of attempted fraud against the London property of Alice
would lead to most serious exposures, furnishing dangerous clews to past
villainies in this immediate venue.

Hedging against such contingents, Pierre had decided not to return to
Bombay. The danger was so great that he gave up thought of sailing with
Sir Charles Chesterton. The risk of Dodge revelations through pressing
search and inquiries of Sir Donald, then in Calcutta, was so serious as
to check all interest Pierre had felt in the prospective match between
Paul and the heiress, Agnes Randall.

Determined thoroughly to keep posted as to the progress of Sir Donald's
investigations in Calcutta, Pierre had made most plausible excuses to
Sir Charles, for not accompanying him back to Bombay to witness the
nuptials between Paul and Agnes. The prospect of Paul's marriage with
this rich heiress would not compensate for losses which might result
from this Randolph inquisition.

There must be decisive action. All scruples shall down before this great
danger to Lanier interests. Two more voices must be silenced. Then
discovery will be impossible.

Having written to William Dodge at Paris, Pierre had shadowed Sir Donald
and Esther and kept track of Mary Dodge until the arrival of his son.
Thereafter the two divided this work, awaiting the coming of William
Dodge.

Pierre had received word that Dodge would sail and stating as to
probable time of his arrival in Calcutta. There had been delays because
of storms, but the vessel is sighted, and both Laniers hurry to the
Dodge cabin. There is time to escort this