"It was for your sake," she gasped, with a side glance at Herries.
"What is that, Maud?" asked the young man quietly.
"You'll hear in due time if you will allow me to go on with my story," said Kyles testily. "It's getting late and I wish to get away as soon as possible."
"Go on then," said Ritson who was deeply interested.
"I scrambled up to the window which was open. It had been left ajar on purpose by Sir Simon. I am not heavy," the Captain cast a complacent look at his slim figure, "so I easily clambered up the trellis-work----"
"You broke it, you beast," said Mrs. Narby savagely.
"Pooh," rejoined Kyles good-humouredly, "I did very little harm. I easily slipped into the room, wondering why Sir Simon was not on the look-out. I spoke his name softly. There was no reply, so I came gently from behind the dressing table, which had been moved to one side, and went to the bed----"
"Was there a light in the room?" asked Ritson eagerly.
"Oh yes, a candle which was placed behind a red handkerchief so as to signal the special room I was to climb into. I took the candle, and then to my horror saw that Sir Simon was lying dead with his throat cut."
"You did it," cried Maud with a sob.