"Yes, success is assured," said Mr. Shelton, with a ring of triumph in his clear tone.
"Thank God!" exclaimed the banker fervently. "At last my poor Lily's desecrated corpse may rest in a fitting sanctuary."
He leaned over and wrung the detective's hand gratefully.
"God bless you, my friend, for the patience and perseverance that have brought this result at last," he said.
The detective was deeply moved by the emotion of the elder man.
"Mr. Lawrence," said he, bending forward and speaking in low, impressive tones, "prepare yourself for a wonderful revelation! Are you strong enough to bear tidings of great joy?"
"What do you mean, Mr. Shelton?" inquired the banker with a start. "Alas! what joyful tidings can come to me, broken-hearted as I am at the loss of my daughter?"
The detective leaned forward and laid his hand on the banker's arm.
"Mr. Lawrence," he said, in a voice that vibrated with feeling, "it is not the corpse of your daughter that I am about to restore to the desecrated vault, but the living, beautiful Lily that will be given back to your heart and your home!"
Mr. Lawrence fell back against the cushion of the carriage like one stricken with death, so great was the shock of the detective's revelation. Mr. Shelton took a small flask from his pocket, and forced some wine between his white and gasping lips.