"What!" exclaimed the lawyer. "Sybilla Silver?"
"Why!" cried the warden, in wonder, "you, too?"
"Exactly," said Mr. Bryson, with a nod. "I know all about it. A most important witness has turned up—no other than the missing man, Mr. Parmalee. He saw the deed done—saw Sybilla Silver, dressed in Sir Everard's clothes, do it, and has come all the way from America to testify against her. Sir Everard, my dear friend, from the bottom of my soul I congratulate you on your most blessed escape!"
"Thank you!" he said. "If my life is spared, it is for some good end, no doubt. Thank God! A felon's death would have been very bitter, and for my mother's sake I rejoice."
"Not for your own?"
"I have lost all that made life sweet. My wife is in heaven. For me earth holds nothing but penitence and remorse."
"I am not so sure about that. I have better news for you even than the news I have told. My dear friend, can you bear a great shock—a shock of joy?"
He sprung up in bed, electrified.
"Speak!" he gasped. "Oh, for God's sake——"
"Your wife is alive!"