I never thought she had
been killed with that knife, as no weapon was found. Juliet
said nothing to me about the matter--"
"No. Because she thought the knife was mine, as it is, and
that I was the man who climbed the wall. I was on the spot.
I remember telling you that, when we met in the street, and
you were afraid. I see now why you asked me if I had been in
the park at night."
"I thought you might have spotted me. When were you there?"
"About twenty minutes past ten."
"Well, then, I was there at ten or a few minutes later. I got
away from the man who chased me some time before you came. It
was, as you say, at a quarter to eleven when I came back, and
by that time I suppose you had gone."
"I went over the opposite wall as you did," said Cuthbert, "we
must have run each other very close."
"I expect we were in different parts of the park," said Basil,
"but I swear that I am telling you the truth. I said nothing
about this, as I was afraid of being arrested. But, if you
like, I'll tell that detective Jennings what I told you. He
will help me."
"My advice to you is to hold your tongue and keep silent."
"But if I am traced?" stammered Basil.
"I shall say nothing," said Mallow, "and Jennings has dropped
the case. I shall get the check from Hale, and you must go
abroad. I believe you are innocent."
"Oh, thank you--thank you--"
"But you are a scoundrel for all that. When I get you sent
abroad and marry your sister, neither she nor I will have
anything to do with you.
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