"It was not blackmail," said Bocaros indignantly, and really he seemed to believe what he said. "I made her leave the money to me, and then I told her the truth."

"The whole truth?"

"Not then. I did not wish her to make trouble at once. I told her that her husband's real name was Fane, and that he had a wife and child. But I did not say where the house was."

"Well, what happened?"

"Fane came back as Brand, saying he had changed his mind about going to Australia. I advised Flora to take an impression of his latch-key, so that she could prove the house was Fane's, by its opening the door. She thought this a good idea. Also, she wished to get inside to see the White Room about which I had told her. She took the impression when Fane was asleep. I had the keys made."

"How many?" asked Arnold quickly; "one was sent to me by you."

"No; I did not send that. Three keys were made. One Flora kept herself, and two she gave me. I used one to enter the house myself----"

"Oh, you acknowledge you were in the house?"

"I do. I lost the other key."

"Where?" demanded Arnold, looking keenly at the man who seemed to speak in all good faith.