“As to the evidence against him—what is it, Alan?”
He told her, relating Jotty’s discovery of the letter, and showed her a copy of the same, which he had taken before Dick passed on the original to Inspector Moon. “So you see, Marie,” he ended, when she was in full possession of the painful facts, “that it seems almost certain——”
“I don’t care what it seems,” interrupted Marie in her wilful feminine way, “Uncle Ran never murdered that wretched Grison.”
“Then why didn’t he remain and say so?” asked Dick sharply.
“He will explain that when he returns,” she retorted in a lofty tone. “In the meantime we must learn the truth.”
“We know the truth,” Latimer replied.
Marie stamped. “How horrid of you to take it for granted that Uncle Ran killed this man. I say he didn’t, and nothing you say, or Alan says, will convince me that he did.”
“I say nothing,” put in Fuller quickly; “things look black against Mr. Sorley, but I wish to give him the benefit of the doubt.”
Marie flew at him and threw her arms round his neck. “Bless you, Alan, for the words you have spoken. I am not very fond of Uncle Ran as you know, but I am sure he is innocent and you must try and prove his innocence.”
“I shall do my best, darling, if you will leave the matter in my hands and return to Belstone.”