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'I understand, now, the reason of your disappearance, she said, coldly; 'but that is not the point. I want to know the reason you tried to murder me a second time. 'I did not, returned Villiers, quietly, with a gesture of dissent. 'Then Selina Sprotts, since you are so particular, retorted his wife, with a sneer; 'but it was you who committed the crime.
Miss Sprotts moved noiselessly about the small room, in a wonderfully dextrous manner considering her height, and, after laying the table, placed the teapot on the hob to 'draw', thereby disturbing a cat and a dog who were lying in front of the fire for there was a fire in the room in spite of the heat of the day, Selina choosing to consider that the house was damp.
Kilsip nodded, and Villiers turned on his wife and Calton, who were too much astonished to speak. 'You asked me who committed the crime, he said, in a state of suppressed excitement; 'look at that door, pointing to the door which led into the hall, 'and you will see the real murderer of Selina Sprotts appear.
With this resolution, she gave up her cottage to Archie, who was to live in it, and still manage the mine, and made preparations to come down to Melbourne with Selina Sprotts.
Bellthorp reddened slightly, and turned away as he saw the other smiling, for his relations with Mrs Killer were well known. 'That hand business is all bosh, observed Felix Rolleston, authoritatively; 'it's in a play called "The Hidden Hand". 'Perhaps the person who poisoned Miss Sprotts, got the idea from it? suggested Jarper.
Vandeloup turned on her with all the lithe, cruel grace of a tiger. 'First you must prove your own innocence, he said, in a low, fierce voice. 'Yes; if you can hang me for the murder of Pierre Lemaire, I can hang you for the murder of Selina Sprotts; yes, though I know you did not do it. 'Ah! said Kitty, quickly, springing forward, 'you know who committed the crime.
The question now arose that as the guilt of Miss Marchurst seemed so certain, how was it that Selina Sprotts was poisoned instead of her mistress; but this was settled by Madame Midas, who being recalled, deposed that Kitty did not know Selina slept with her on that night, and the curtains being drawn, could not possibly tell two people were in the bed.
'I arrest you in the Queen's name for the murder of Selina Sprotts, and he slipped the handcuffs on his wrists. The wretched young man fell down on the floor with an agonised shriek. 'It's a lie it's a lie, he howled, beating his manacled hands on the carpet, 'none can prove I did it.
The inquest was appointed to take place next day, and Calton had been asked by Madame Midas to be present on her behalf. Kilsip, a detective officer, was also present, and, curled up like a cat in the corner, was listening to every word of the evidence. The first witness called was Madame Midas, who deposed that the deceased, Selina Jane Sprotts, was her servant.
'They say this woman Sprotts or Potts, or something died from poison, said Barty Jarper, who had been all round the place collecting information. 'Apoplexy, the doctor says, said Bellthorp, lighting a cigarette; 'she was in the same room with Mrs Villiers and was found dead in the morning. 'Miss Marchurst was also in the room, put in Barty, eagerly.
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