‘You pity me!’ said Ruth, astonished. ‘Why?’
‘Because I know what is in store for you.’
They had walked along by the side of the park, away from the lodge gates to a place where the hedge grew thickly over a low-lying wall.
‘Do not speak in riddles,’ exclaimed Ruth. ‘If your object is a friendly one—as something in your manner tells me it is—speak freely and let me know the worst. You said my husband’s liberty was threatened—by whom?’
‘By justice.’
Ruth started back. The old suspicion rushed back upon her, and her face flushed hot, and then went deadly pale.
‘By justice?’ she stammered. ‘I do not understand.’
‘Listen to me, madam, for my time is short. There are those to whom the history of your husband’s past life is known. Soon they will accuse him openly. One of his former associates will turn Queen’s evidence against him. His deadliest enemy knows all. I tell you this now, because I have suffered myself, and I do not wish to be a party to that which will be a life-long separation between husband and wife. I am doing wrong, but I cannot help it.’
‘Yes—yes!’ cried Ruth, ‘I believe you. But what am I to do?’
‘Bid your husband leave this place to-night. Tell him that the secret of the great gold robbery is known to Mr. Gurth Egerton, and that to-morrow he may be arrested.’