The minutes seemed to fly by on wings of lightning to this unhappy man and woman, who waited with shuddering dread for the approach of that horror from which they could not escape.
A knock at the door, and then Marks flung it wide open, announcing three visitors.
"Mr. Fanks, Mr. Axton, Monsieur Guinaud."
"Roger," said Judith to herself, with a sudden pang at her heart, as the servant retired. "Oh, the humiliation!"
Marson greeted his three visitors with a grave bow, and they all sat down in silence. There was a sullen look on the face of Judas, for he felt that he had been undiplomatic in his dealings with the detective, and that all his well-laid schemes would come to naught now that his secret was made known.
On the other hand, Fanks appeared serenely confident that things were going as he wished them, but an uneasy expression on his face as he glanced furtively at Judith, showed that he was by no means pleased with the unexpected discovery he had made. Roger said nothing, but sat looking at the carpet with downcast eyes, the very picture of misery and despair.
"You wish to see me, I understand from your letter, sir," said Marson to the detective, in a dull, hopeless voice.
"Yes; with regard to the death of Sebastian Melstane."
"I know nothing about his death."
"Nothing?" repeated Fanks, with great emphasis.