Leah sat up with a puzzled look. "Did you not get my letter saying that I had had a shock, and intended to consult Mr. Hall?"
"Yes; but you did not explain."
"I could not, seeing the position it places you in."
"Never mind me. If Jim is alive, he takes the title. So this man came to you."
"He did, and tried to extort money. Because I refused he hinted that he would buy your silence. I never thought that he would dare to go to Firmingham; but when you entered, a look told me all. But can you believe this story--it seems incredible?"
"The police do not think so," said Lionel, grimly.
Lady Jim dropped on to the sofa again. "The police!"
"Of course. This scoundrel came to Firmingham, and said that if I gave him three thousand pounds he would keep Jim away from England so that I could enjoy the title. I learned the truth about this conspiracy of Dr. Demetrius, and then had Captain Strange arrested. To-day a policeman brought him to London. He is in prison."
"Serve him right, the brute. Did he not tell you how he threatened me?"
"No; I never guessed that he had come to you."