"Yes, she did," he said, his bright blue eyes steadily fixed on me.
"Well, then, these things have drawn you into wrongdoing. You love Miss Monk. Prove your love by preventing her from getting into trouble about this murder. Until the truth is discovered, she is in danger of arrest because of her unfortunate visit to Mootley and because of the cloak left behind."
"Perhaps! perhaps. But her father will say nothing, he dare not."
"No, but Miss Destiny might. She knows that her niece was at Mootley on that night, and threatens to betray her unless she receives half the fifty thousand pounds when it is found."
"Miss Destiny threatens," said Striver rising, "and for the sake of money. Ah! that old lady always was a miser. Well?"
"Well, can't you show your love for Miss Monk and thwart the aunt by telling the truth."
"Why, do you think I know the truth?"
"You were in the house all the time. I feel certain that you can unravel the mystery."
Striver looked away, and became very silent. At this moment Monk entered, and began to bustle about. "Hunter," this was his valet, I afterwards heard, "says that there is a magnifying glass in the desk here."
I paid no attention to him as I was looking at Striver. After a long silence the gardener spoke. "I do know the truth," he said slowly, "and I shall save Gertrude's good name. Marry her, and may you be happy."