Evidently surprised at this sudden change of subject, Craik replied:
"If I had not hoped you would understand my anxiety and presently relieve it, I could not have shown you as much patience as I have."
"Very well," rejoined Mr. Gryce, altering his manner with a suddenness that evidently alarmed his listener. "Mr. Orcutt did not die immediately after he was struck down. He lived some hours; lived to say some words that have materially changed the suspicions of persons interested in the case he was defending."
The tone was one of surprise. Mr. Gryce's little finger seemed to take note of it, for it tapped the leg beneath it in quite an emphatic manner as he continued: "It was in answer to a question put to him by Miss Dare. To the surprise of every one, she had not left him from the moment they were mutually relieved from the weight of the fallen limb, but had stood over him for hours, watching for him to rouse from his insensibility. When he did, she appealed to him in a way that showed she expected a reply, to tell her who it was that killed the Widow Clemmens."
"And did Mr. Orcutt know?" was Mansell's half-agitated, half-incredulous query.
"His answer seemed to show that he did. Mr. Mansell, have you ever had any doubts of Mr. Orcutt?"
"Doubts?"
"Doubts as to his integrity, good-heartedness, or desire to serve you?"
"No."