sank wearily into a chair. He could scarcely keep his eyes open. Nevertheless he started up wide awake when his host spoke. "Miss Denham killed Daisy," said Morley. "She took a stiletto from the wall yonder, and here it is." He produced it with a dramatic wave. "Where did you find it?" "Beside the grave—on the spot of the murder."[Pg 55] [Pg 55] CHAPTER VI THE CASE AGAINST ANNE The contradictory qualities of Mrs. Parry's nature came out strongly in connection with the Rickwell tragedy. When Miss Denham was prosperous the old woman had nothing but bad to say of her, now that she was a fugitive and generally credited with a crime, Mrs. Parry stood up for her stoutly. She made herself acquainted with all details, and delivered her verdict to Mrs. Morley, on whom she called for the express purpose of giving her opinion. "I never liked the woman," she said impressively, "she was artful and frivolous; and to gain admiration behaved in a brazen way of which I thoroughly disapproved. All the same, I do not believe she killed the girl." "But the evidence is strongly against her," expostulated Mrs. Morley. "And how many people have been hanged on evidence which has afterwards been proved incorrect?" retorted Mrs. Parry. "I don't care how certain they are of her guilt. In my opinion she is an innocent woman. I am glad she has escaped." "I am not sorry myself," sighed the other. "I was[Pg 56] fond of Anne, for she had many good points. But Mr. Steel says——" [Pg 56] "Who is Mr. Steel?" "The detective who has charge of the case." "I thought the police from Chelmsford had it in hand." "Of course, Mr. Morley sent for the police the morning after poor Daisy's death. That is three days ago. To-morrow the inquest is to be held. I suppose they will bring a verdict against poor Miss Denham."
Prev.
Back
Top