Mr. Stark whispered to Leonard to remove his disguise. Leonard obeyed, tearing off his spectacles, his wig, and his gray side-whiskers. He stood by the side of Snags.
The latter regarded him with a look of amazement and horror.
“Where did you come from? Did you rise from the dead?”
“No,” replied Leonard, “I am solid flesh and bones. Feel my hand. I was your prisoner once, but now the table are turned. Since my escape from the cave at Rocky Beach I have had but one great purpose.You can imagine what it is.”
“Yes,” sighed Snags.
“You well know that it is the vindication of my Cousin Carlos from the charge of murder. You also know—do you not?—that you have nothing to gain by longer keeping the secret, the revelation of which would demonstrate his innocence.”
Snags made no reply, but lay for some moments in profound thought. At length he spoke, quite calmly.
“Who are you?” he said to Mr. Stark.
“I am a detective, engaged in the custom-house service of the United States.”
“And is it true,” turning to the surgeon, “that I have not long to live?”