erer, as sure as we stand here, and Nugent is shielding him because
he wishes to avoid incurring the odium of having introduced a scoundrel
into this peaceful spot."

Mr. Mallory could not entirely control the disgust which crept into his
face at this open avowal of petty spite. But he was old diplomatist
enough to control his voice. "That is not my view of the case," he said,
with frigid politeness. And then, as if stung by a scorpion, he for an
instant lost the grip in which he was holding himself, and added
quickly, "But why am I the recipient of your--what shall I call
it--confession? What have your spyings and deductions to do with me more
than another?"

Mr. Lowch essayed to impart to his saturnine features an expression of
sympathetic concern, and made a failure of the job. Indeed, the facial
antics in which he indulged rather suggested the anticipation of
malevolent triumph. "You surely, my dear sir, have not forgotten the
first sitting of the inquest, and the evidence given thereat by
Lieutenant Beauchamp?" he said, trying to adopt an ingratiating tone,
but only succeeding in croaking like a raven.

Mr. Mallory guessed what he was making for, but declined to provide the
opening. "Well?" was all he said.

"Mr. Beauchamp admitted that on the night of the murder he was on the
marsh, close to where the body of Levison was found--at least, I
elicited as much from him," said Lowch, warming to his work.

"Yes?" snapped Mr. Mallory, still refusing to be helpful.

"And that he heard a strange cry?"

"So I understood."

"Leaving an impression on the mind of the jury that he knew more of the
occurrence than he chose to tell?"

"Not having been on the jury, it is impossible for me to answer that,"
Mr. Mallory rejoined drily.

Lazarus Lowch bowed slightly as though willing to make the concession,
but conscious of his magnanimity in doing so. "Now Mr. Mallory," he went
on, clearing his throat as a prelude to the real issue, "I do not mean
any offence, but I am more or less in an official position in this
inquiry. Mr. Beauchamp had a companion on that evening, and though the
name did not transpire in court, it is common knowledge who that
companion was. Gossip may be pernicious, but in a place like this it
does not err. It will not be denied, I think, that it was your daughter,
Miss Enid Mallory, who accompanied Lieutenant Beauchamp on that evening
walk?"

Mr. Mallory contrived to keep the curb on himself. He wa