"Which means, reverend sir," went on the old scoundrel coolly, "that in the hut on the heath I found the corpse of Dr. Warrender."
"But not the body of my father," said Sophy.
"No, but I saw that taken away from the vault. Undoubtedly, Miss Marlow, the body was carried to the hut for the purpose of dissection by Mr. Thorold. He was foolish enough to leave behind him evidence of his iniquitous purposes. Behold!" and Cicero produced a lancet in his most dramatic manner. "Nota bene," said he grandly.
Phelps bent forward and took the instrument in his hand. It had an ivory handle, on which were carved two letters, "A. T."
"You found this in the hut?" he asked.
"I did, reverend sir. It must have been dropped by Mr. Thorold. If not, how did it come there? I pause for a reply."
"Why did you not tell Mr. Thorold about this?" demanded Sophy.
"I bided my time----"
"To blackmail him!" she cried, with scorn.
"A harsh word, Miss Sophia. Certainly I would have demanded a small payment from Mr. Thorold, had I shown him that. But Mr. Thorold insulted me, it matters not how. Nemo me impune lacessit, Miss Sophia, and I determined to punish the young man. My military friend was good enough to enter into partnership with me for the purpose of clearing up this matter, hence I told him of my discovery. There is no more to be said."