“I have told you twice, my boy; I wish you to help me. Long ago I told you that I believed Louisa Grison was laying a trap for me with that peacock. Now you can see that I was right, and your evidence that I spoke as I did, will help me at the trial.”
“At the trial.” Dick looked swiftly at the fugitive. “Then you——”
“Yes; I intend to give myself up.” Sorley rose and stood up lean and haggard, yet with something of his old self-assertion, “but before doing so I wish you both to come with me to Thimble Square and see Miss Grison.”
“Why?” demanded Fuller, jumping up with an inquiring look.
“I desire to face her in your presence, and accuse her of having brought the peacock down to The Monastery to get me into trouble.”
“But how could she get it from her brother, when Jotty said that he saw it on the night of the murder in Grison’s possession?”
“I can’t explain,” said Sorley with a vexed air, “and I am sure that Louisa hates me too much to do so. She may have induced him to give it back, lest he should return it to me; she knew of my visits.”
“Did she know of your visits?”
“She must have. Baldwin doubtless told her, for he never could keep his own counsel, being as weak as water. And if he did hold his peace, I am very sure that Jotty did not. The boy saw me frequently.”
“Yes,” said Alan reflectively, “he told us that he did, and described you.”