Whereupon Peace laughed and said—
“I can do more dodges. I can dodge any detective.”
The circumstances surrounding his connection with the Dysons form the most remarkable and inexplicable portion of his career.
It would appear that he completely lost himself in his infatuation for Mrs. Dyson; his usual caution forsook him, and he run greater risks in the pursuit of Mrs. Dyson than he did by any of his daring burglaries.
The end we know. He paid the last dread penalty of the law for the murder of the unfortunate gentleman who fell a victim to his bloodthirsty spirit of revenge.
When the Dyson’s first went to live at Eccleshall, some five weeks before the murder, Peace made it his business to wait upon the vicar, the Rev. E. Newman, to warn him against the new arrivals in his parish.
He then told Mr. Newman some most incredible stories, making grave charges which it would be indelicate and unjust to even hint at.
Mr. Newman was incredulous that things could be as Peace represented them, and asked him how it was that he had chosen to make such statements to an utter stranger.
“My object,” promptly replied Peace, “is to put you on your guard.”
It struck Mr. Newman at the time that there was something behind, but Peace persistently stuck to his story. As it was not believed he left the vicarage, stating that he would return with proofs such as would leave no doubt of his speaking the truth.