s
time the two men listened.

"I am pursued," muttered Ford; "they've cornered me; it is your turn
now."

"I will give you up if these are enemies," cried Mellen; "there is no
escape."

He took one stride towards the door, but Ford called out:

"You are giving up your sister's husband; remember the whole world shall
know it."

There was bitter truth in the tone, but before Mellen could move or
speak, the door opened and two officers entered the room.

"We have him safe," said one of the intruders as he passed Mellen.
"Caught at last, my fine fellow."

Ford started back--thrust one hand under his vest, and drew it out
again--there was a flash--a stunning report--he staggered back against
the wall, shot through the chest.

For a few instants there was wild confusion; the servants rushed in, the
wounded criminal was lifted up, but during all that time Elsie lay on
the sofa quite unnoticed, not insensible yet, but utterly helpless, so
blasted by the shock that mind and body seemed withering under it.

Ford sat on the floor in gloomy silence. In spite of his resistance an
effort was made to staunch the blood which was trickling down his shirt
bosom, but he said in a low, quiet voice:

"It is useless. I have cheated you at last--the first good act of my
life has killed me--I am a dying man. It was my last stake, and I have
lost it."

A great change in his face proved the truth of his words; even the
officers, inured to scenes of suffering and pain, recoiled before his
stony hardihood.

One of them spoke in explanation to Mellen.

"We don't know what he wanted here; we have been on his track for days;
he committed a forgery, months ago, and was trying to get off to Europe
just as it was found out."

"He's bound on a longer journey, that you cannot stop now," said Ford.
"Mellen, I have something to say to you--better send these men away
unless you want our little affairs discussed before them."

CHAPTER LXXVI.

THE CONFESSION.

After a few moments the men went out and left Mellen alone with the
suicide--in his excitement Mellen forgot Elsie's presence, and the
dreadful state she was in.

"I am dying," said Ford; "I may live the night out--it don't matter! You
are glad to see my blood run--that's natural enough! Man, man, the
torment I go to isn't half as bad as that I shall leave behind for you."

"Say quickly what you wish," exclaimed Mellen, forgetting even his
hatred in the dreadful picture