[CHAPTER XX.]
THE SINS OF THE FATHER.
When Dora made that last remark, the face of Mrs. Tice grew red and indignant. She looked at the girl with a fiery eye, and demanded crossly what she meant by saying such a thing. Knowing the attachment of the housekeeper to Allen, this was natural enough.
"The fact is," explained Dora, "Mr. Joad accuses Allen of murdering Mr. Edermont."
"And what next, I wonder!" cried Mrs. Tice in high dudgeon; "it is more likely Mr. Joad killed the man himself! Can he substantiate his accusation?"
"He can state that Allen was in this house on the night of the murder."
"That does not say Mr. Allen committed the crime," retorted Mrs. Tice, her face a shade paler. "Mr. Allen told me in confidence that he had seen the dead body, and had kept silent for his own sake. I quite agreed with him that it was the best thing to do. And he told you also, Miss Carew?"
"Yes, he told me also; but he did not inform Joad."
"Then how does Joad know that Mr. Allen was here on that night?"
"He saw him from the door of his cottage," said Dora quietly; "but you need not be afraid for Allen, Mrs. Tice. I can save him, and close Joad's mouth."