"Go on," Jabez stretched his legs and put his hands in his pockets, "it is sure to be interesting."
"I hope so," rejoined Hale, making a sign to Maud that she should not talk, "and already you know much of it."
"Let me see. Yes, I remember. You told me at Rose Cottage, in the presence of Mrs. Walker, that Miss Morse died at your Wimbledon house in the arms of your wife. She gave the cross to your wife, who afterwards gave it to the nurse, Bridget Burke. She in her turn gave it to your daughter Lesbia, who presented it to young Walker from whom it was stolen. Am I right?"
"Perfectly," said Hale gravely. "So you can see how Miss Morse here, never set eyes on it until I brought it to her."
"And how did you become possessed of it?"
"I shall explain that, when you have heard Miss Morse's story."
Maud put up her veil and wiped her lips. "I am only too anxious to tell it," she declared eagerly, "and----"
Jabez cut her short. "I am sure you are, but before hearing it I should like to remind Mr. Hale that he declared in my presence and in the presence of Mrs. Walker that there was no child."
"Quite so," said Hale promptly. "I am not bound to tell you anything I desire to keep silent."
"I think you will have to do so, if you wish this young lady to get fifty thousand pounds," said Jabez coolly.