"Why did you not tell me of this before?" asked the major.
"I have only been certain of these things since our last interview. I lied to you then because Dido said if I told the truth she would accuse my mother of the murder."
"I see," said Jen, thoughtfully, "and I can understand their motives. Dido wished you to marry Etwald."
"Yes; and it was to force my mother into compliance with that desire that the whole of these crimes were committed. Dido--"
"One moment, Miss Dallas. What influence has Etwald over the negress?"
Isabella shuddered.
"He is the possessor of the Voodoo stone," she said in a low voice.
"The Voodoo stone," echoed Jen, much puzzled. "And what may that be?"
"It is a small black pebble of a peculiar shape," explained the girl, "and it was brought from Africa to Barbadoes over a hundred years ago. The negroes believe that a spirit dwells in this stone, and that when it is worshiped the indwelling devil can work woe to those against whom the possessor of the stone bears malice. You can have no idea how this talisman is venerated by all the blacks; they will go miles to look on it, to adore it; they would burn down a city to possess it; to gain it they would murder a hundred human beings. Well, Dr. Etwald was in Barbadoes some years ago, and he gained possession of this Voodoo stone. He has used it while here to intimidate Dido. While he holds it she will not dare to disobey him, and all this plotting and assassination designed to bring about my marriage with Dr. Etwald, has been designed by him, and carried out by Dido, solely on account of his ownership of the Voodoo stone. You know that she calls him the 'great master!' Well--now you can guess the reason for her service worship of this man."
"Yes," assented Jen, turning his sharp eyes on Isabella, "and you--do you believe in this Voodoo stone also?"