"But tell me,—tell me, Aurora," cried Talbot, almost too eager to find words, "how long had you left him when you heard the report of the pistol?'
"Not more than ten minutes."
"John Mellish," exclaimed Mr. Bulstrode, "was there any money found upon the person of the murdered man?"
"No—yes; I believe there was a little silver," Mr. Mellish answered vaguely.
"A little silver!" cried Talbot contemptuously. "Aurora, what was the sum you gave James Conyers upon the night of his death?"
"Two thousand pounds."
"In a cheque?"
"No; in notes."
"And that money has never been heard of since?"
No; John Mellish declared that he had never heard of it.