ized both poker and tongs in her room, and crept
downstairs. Agatha led the way, a candle in hand. They reached the
study, and Agatha threw open the door. To her horror the French window
was wide open, and a man was on his knees by the cupboard, a lantern on
the ground. He started to his feet; then, bewildered and utterly
unprepared for their sudden intrusion, dashed out on the verandah and
disappeared, but not before both Agatha and Clare had plainly
recognised him. He was Major Lester's valet!

[Illustration: AND SAW A MAN ON HIS KNEES BY THE CUPBOARD]

Agatha hastily closed the window and shutters, then looked at Clare,
who was now white and trembling.

'This looks bad, Clare,' she said gravely. 'This window and shutters
must have been purposely left unfastened. He could never have
unfastened them from outside.'

But now the danger was over Clare's courage had vanished. She grasped
hold of Agatha's arm.

'Come upstairs, quick! He may come back and murder us! I won't stay
downstairs another minute.'

'There is nothing to fear now. He has gone. I don't think he would
dare face us after being recognised. Wait a minute. Look! He has
left an envelope lying by his lantern, and I believe--yes, it is mine.
And in Mr. Lester's handwriting. Jane must be at the bottom of this!'

'Come upstairs. I won't stay down here a minute longer!'

And Clare fled trembling to her room. Agatha did not go up till she
had made sure the windows and shutters were securely fastened, and had
also been the round of the house. Then she went to Clare, who was in
such a panic of fright that she persuaded her to come and share her
bed; and after she had grown calmer and finally dropped asleep, Agatha
lay quiet and sleepless, revolving the events of the night, and praying
for wisdom in dealing with the suspected Jane.

The next morning, immediately after breakfast, she called her into her
room, and the very sight of her white trembling face proved her guilt.
By dint of cross questioning, and much entreaty, Agatha was at last
possessed of all information.

Watson, Major Lester's valet, was a devoted admirer of Jane. Together
they often talked over their respective master and mistress, and Watson
had told her of Major Lester's unsatisfactory interview with Agatha.

'It's some family papers that is locked up in that there cupboard he is
wild to get at, and he says he has a right to 'em; and so he has, for
he told a gentlema