“And there is other proof,” put in Oliver. “James Barr—”
Colonel Mendix jumped up as if shot.
“James Barr! James Barr is dead.”
“We know that. And we also know how he came to his death.”
The Spaniard started.
“But his dying statement remains—”
“His dying statement? Why, he was drowned in the mine—”
“No, not drowned, but made a prisoner while suffering from fever,” replied Oliver. “And when you shut us up in the pit in the mine we came across his skeleton, and near it found a statement in a match-box for safe-keeping.”
“It is false.”
“It is the truth. That statement is now in Mr. Whyland’s possession. Perhaps he will read it to you.”