“Originally,” he went on, “the Silent Seven did not deal in open crime. But in recent years it has become a desperate organization that will stop at nothing.
“One of our group — an old man — abhorred our actions. He wanted to expose the Seven, but he hesitated through fear. He did, however, write a full confession in which he revealed the secrets of this group.
“He placed the confession in a secret drawer of his desk. He placed his scarab ring in the hands of a friend. He guarded that confession and hoped some day to make it public.
“A young man whom he had benefited, once saw him closing the secret drawer. The young man entered the house and stole the confession. He learned the secrets of the Seven.
“He came again and laid a trap to kill the old man. He succeeded. He also murdered the friend who wore the scarab ring. Then he joined the Seven as an impostor.”
“If what you say is true—” began the leader.
“It is true,” declared the man at the door. “I knew certain facts. I have discovered others. My case is complete. The thief did not destroy the confession. He kept it hidden that he might betray the Seven, if he needed to protect himself.”
“Who is the man?”
The accuser pointed to Paget.
“Tell me, then,” said the leader, “since this man possessed the secrets and the genuine ring, how did we discover him tonight?”