Already she knows
that I threatened to arrest you--"
"But you would never do that."
"I would if it meant the clearing of your character. I tell
you, Mallow, you are in danger. There is a conspiracy against
you, and the using of your knife to kill that old woman proves
it. To prepare the ground for an accusation, someone stole
it. You must fight, man, or your enemies may bring about your
arrest, in spite of all I can do."
Mallow dropped into his seat, flushed and angry.
"I have no enemies," he muttered, trying to collect his wits.
"Yes, you have, and of the worst kind. Two women are against
you."
"Two women? Mrs. Octagon, I know, hates me as Caranby's
nephew and because she wants to handle this money. But the
other?"
"Maraquito Gredos."
"Bosh! She loves me. I am sure she has worried me enough."
"Of course she loves," said Jennings satirically. "She loves
you so deeply that she would see you on the scaffold rather
than let you marry Miss Saxon. That is why Mrs. Octagon went
the other night to see her. Mrs. Herne gave a different
version, but--"
"How do you know Mrs. Octagon went to see Maraquito?"
"Your uncle saw her. Sit down, Mallow." Jennings gently
pushed back the astonished man into his seat. "Listen while I
tell you all I have discovered lately."
Mallow listened in silence, and saw very truly that Maraquito
would stick at nothing to gain her ends. However, he made no
remark.
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