"Let me explain," said Dr. Jim, before Bess could answer Ida, "it is a long story and I think you will find it interesting." And then Herrick told the whole complicated case from the time he and Joyce found the dead body of Colonel Carr in the Tower which now no longer existed. He was frequently interrupted with exclamations of horror from Ida, and of rage from Frank. When he ended, the latter jumped up. "If I meet that little wretch, Joyce, again," said Frank, "I'll break every bone in his body. The idea of trying to mix up Bess in the matter."
"He has received a worse punishment than a thrashing," said Stephen, "I think you can leave him to the punishment of destiny, Frank."
A babel of voices ensued. Everyone was talking at once, and for fully an hour they discussed the case in all its bearings.
"I suppose Frisco will be released now," said Bess triumphantly. "I knew that he was innocent. I said so all along."
"All the same he is a bad lot," remarked Herrick, "the less we have to do with him the better."
"I don't think he'll come down here again in a hurry," said Marsh-Carr thankfully, "and Santiago has sailed for Mexico. Thus we are rid of the whole gang. Hullo! What's that?" It was a violent ringing at the door, and Herrick started to his feet, looking perturbed. "I hope nothing is wrong now," he said. "I am getting so nervous with all this, that I am always expecting the worst of tidings."
As he spoke, the footman ushered in Inspector Bridge, in a state of excitement. The man could hardly speak, and was scarlet in the face with suppressed rage and alarm. "I beg your pardon," he said to the company; "but this woman--Petronella----"
"What is the matter?" asked Dr. Jim.
"She is dead."
All looked at one another.