"He is dead to me."
"Ah, that is quite another thing. He has come to life for the purpose of throwing some light on this mystery. Indeed, I think you had better tell me why he murdered Gilbert Malet."
"He did not murder him."
"Oh, yes, he did; and I should like to have details, please--his motive and all that."
"I refuse to give them to you."
Van Zwieten rose and buttoned his coat. "Very good," said he; "then I shall see a magistrate and tell him all I know."
"What do you know?"
"Sufficient to have Robert arrested for the murder, and you as his accomplice."
Mr. Scarse shivered again, and bit his lip. Then he seemed to make up his mind.
"Sit down. Don't be in a hurry. I will tell you all I can. Of course you will keep secret what I tell you."