Ben said he would, and went on: "This is the opportunity we have waited for—Hector's escape. How fortunate we came here! Providence had a hand in this, it's more than mere coincidence, and as Providence helps those who help themselves we must lend a hand. When Hector recovers, it will be some weeks; he must remain on the Sea-mew until he becomes a changed man. In twelve months no one will know him who has seen him now; the change will be wonderful, and it will be quite as wonderful a change from what he was before the trial. Hector Woodridge must cease to exist; he is dead; his body was never found on the Moor because he probably fell down some disused mine or was drowned in a still pond. That way safety lies, but there may be one stumbling block."
"What is that?" asked Picton.
"Hector's desire to prove his innocence," said Ben.
"He must be persuaded that will be easier to do if it is thought he is dead; we must try and do it."
"We have tried; there is only one person in the world who can prove his innocence," said Ben.
"Lenise Elroy," said Picton.
"Yes, Lenise Elroy. There were three persons in the room at the time: Raoul Elroy, Lenise Elroy, and Hector," said Ben.
"Hector said at the trial the weapon went off in a struggle," said Picton.
"Lenise Elroy, with apparent reluctance, said Hector shot her husband," said Ben.
"If this were not true, why did she say it?" asked Picton.