Cyril's lips met hers in a passionate kiss, and, glowing with happiness, she ran into Dora's little garden as the door opened. Miss Ankers, hearing voices at this late hour—for it was nearly midnight—was looking out to see what was the matter. Cyril watched her admit Bella, and then turned away with a sigh. He intended to confess much about his father to Inglis, which he would much rather have kept concealed; but under the circumstances there was no other way of settling matters. Since the tragic death of Captain Huxham, these had been in a very bad way.
Very shortly the young man arrived at the Manor-house, and found a constable on guard at the door. But he was admitted the moment the man recognised him. It appeared that Inglis had been expecting him for some time. Lister walked into the study, wherein the inspector had established himself, and explained that he had been escorting Miss Huxham home.
"The poor girl is quite worn out," said Cyril, seating himself with an air of relief, for he also was extremely tired.
"No wonder," replied the inspector. "Is Dutton on guard?"
"Yes. Mrs. Vand and the old woman and the girl are all safe."
"I have sent along another man," said Inglis nodding, "so that there may be no chance of the three escaping. The house was locked up when we came here, Mr. Lister, and only by breaking a window could we enter. Look at this, sir"—and the inspector pointed to a small lozenge-pane in the casement, which had been broken.
"Well," said Cyril, after a pause.
"Through that broken pane Luke Tunks saw everything which took place in this study on the night of the murder."
Cyril felt his hair rise, and he thought of his father's probable danger, but he calmed down on reflecting that at least Edwin Lister was not guilty of the frightful crime. "How do you know?" he gasped with difficulty.
"We have caught Luke, and he will be here in a moment or so to confess."