"You cannot?" said Cromwell, glancing at Paul Morton, spitefully. "Then I will tell you what he is capable of. I accuse him of poisoning the boy's father."
"Good heavens! are you mad?" exclaimed Major Woodley, starting.
"I am perfectly aware of what I am saying, and I can prove it. He bought the poison of me, at a time when I was employed in a drug store on the Bowery. It was a slow poison which accomplished its work without leaving any perceptible traces."
Robert listened to the revelations with pale face, horror-stricken, and for a moment no word was spoken.
"Mr. Morton," said Major Woodley, "this is an extraordinary charge, which, whether you are innocent or guilty, must be investigated. I brought a policeman here with the view of arresting this man Cromwell, but I feel it is my duty to direct your arrest also." As he spoke, he opened the door communicating with the hall, and a policeman entered.
"Arrest these two men," he said.
Paul Morton's face wore the look of one brought to bay, and he exclaimed, "Never will I submit to the indignity. Here is one means of escape."
He pulled a drawer beside him open, and drew forth a revolver.
"I must die," he said, "but I will not die alone."
As he spoke he pointed the revolver at Cromwell, and there was a sharp report.