"Correct!" answered Oakes; "and we will go with you, Chief. If trouble is coming, we will be useless here."
With one accord we prepared to depart for Mona immediately. The carriage was brought to the door and saddle-horses also.
Then we waited anxiously for the return of Martin's party. We were not long delayed. A commotion in the hall was heard, and in stepped Joe and Martin, followed by the men. Oakes's assistant advanced and laid a red handkerchief, dotted with white spots, upon the table. It was wet and heavy, and knotted by its four corners so as to form a pouch.
"We found it, sir, in about two feet of water, partly covered with sand. Its weight was gradually sinking it into the bottom."
Joe laughed hysterically and lapsed into negro dialect: "See, Mars Oakes! see, boss! I dun tole you the truth."
Oakes seized the handkerchief, and we all looked inside. It contained a few large cartridges.
"They match the one I found in the cellar, and those of the old revolver," said Oakes. "The man of the Mansion mysteries and assaults is the murderer of Mr. Mark."
We were intensely excited as we stood there viewing the evidence that was so conclusive. Not one of us made a remark, but the deep breathing of some and the pale faces of others showed the interest that was felt by one and all.
Oakes discovered on one end of the handkerchief the initial "S," and we all studied its appearance closely. Then Oakes asked Hallen if such handkerchiefs were unusual in Mona.