"Lena Sarschine!" echoed the three in astonishment.
"The same. She has confessed that she followed her sister on that night and killed her through jealousy."
"What weapon did she use?" asked Desmond, disbelievingly.
"This," replied Dowker, and produced the dagger Lena had thrown at his feet.
"Do you believe this story?" asked Desmond, looking at Dowker.
"At first I did not believe one word," answered the detective slowly, "but I am now doubtful, as I don't see what she would gain by confessing herself guilty of a crime she had not committed."
"I can tell you what she would gain," said Desmond vehemently. "Yes--she loves Calliston devotedly, and thought you were trying to bring home the crime to him. Did she overhear your conversation?"
"Some of it," admitted Dowker reluctantly.
"Then that explains all," said Myles triumphantly. "She thought Calliston was in danger of being arrested for the murder, and swore she did it order to save him. Remember she has an excitable nature, and her nerves are overstrung with the horror of her sister's death. Ten to one she did not know what she was saying."
"But this dagger?" began Norwood.