“Poor fellow!” said Lady Clavering, with tears starting to her eyes.
“Poor fellow!” said Sir Henry. “My dear Ann, do you recollect what he was?”
“Yes, yes!” said Lady Clavering; “but he was a man, and to know that he has rushed into eternity with all his crimes on his soul, one cannot help deeply feeling such a thing. But I know what a wretch he was.”
Sir Henry made no answer, but gave his arm to his wife; and they began their way homeward, talking of the singularity of this event as they ascended.
“One thing,” said Sir Henry; “I think the news of Scammel’s death should be kept from Hopcraft, or he may draw in his horns, when he knows there is no more fear of him. He seemed disposed otherwise to be communicative.”
“On the contrary,” said Mr. Degge, “his fear being gone, he may tell us all he knows of Scammel’s part of the murder, though he will take care to conceal his own.”
“Well,” said Sir Henry, “that is of less consequence; we have his full testimony on oath of Scammel committing the murder, and plundering the body. Now there is a curious incident come to light. On the trial of Mr. Woodburn, the suspicion was thrown with overwhelming force on him, because it was said that it was clear no robbery had been contemplated. It must, therefore, have been a work of malice. Yet, here we have proof that robbery was committed. It is clear to me that Dr. Leroy’s dream is correct in this respect, and when he saw the murderer take out Mr. Drury’s watch, and then put it back again, and so by his pocket-book, it was because Scammel had the shrewdness to apprehend that these might somehow or other lead to his detection, if taken and made use of.”
“I see,” said Mr. Degge, “I see. Yes, that is very curious. Now could not this fact, of a separate amount of money in Mr. Drury’s pocket, be ascertained by an examination of his accounts?”
“Right! a good idea!” said Sir Henry. “George Woodburn can, I have no doubt, clear all that up. The accounts are all in Mr. Drury’s desk at Bilt’s Farm. I believe he kept most minute and accurate ones. I have very little question but his Bank pass-book will, in connection with his day-book, show that perfectly. George must write to Miss Drury, and get permission to make the examination. Elizabeth will render every possible aid in working out the solution of this mystery.”
“Oh, it will be a great pleasure to George, and to us all,” said Lady Clavering, “to be able to clear our dear father in her eyes. She has always firmly and nobly declared that such a crime was impossible from such a quarter.”