"You have seen the weapon before?"
"Yes."
"You placed it into Bordine's house one night, where it was found by the officers, for the purpose of fixing that awful murder upon an innocent man. Do you deny that?"
The outlaw was pallid and silent.
"It is true, and you dare not deny it. So far so good; but, gentlemen, it is a mistake to suppose that this man, guilty as he is of crimes without number, was the one who murdered Victoria Vane."
At this announcement the interest deepened on all faces, and the countenance of the prisoner brightened.
"The person who murdered Miss Vane, with this dagger, was in turn murdered by Andrew Barkswell, the prisoner here."
"Who was it?"
"Iris, your wife. She was the assassin of Victoria Vane!"
This announcement created a great sensation. Rose had revived, and clinging to the strong arm of August, was listening in amazement to the revelations of Hiram Shanks.