"
"Go on with the story and save your strength," said Yeo
softly.
"Yes." Caranby heaved a sigh. "I haven't much left. Well,
Cuthbert, you told me about the ghosts supposed to be haunting
the house. I asked you to go down and see. You came here one
night and left at eight o'clock to go down to Rexton."
"I never expected you to follow. Why did you not come with
me?"
"Because I was keeping something back from you. On the
previous day I received a letter. There was no name to it,
and the writing was disguised. It advised me to see Selina
Loach, and said I would be surprised when she spoke to me."
"Because then you would recognize the woman you believed to be
dead."
"Exactly," said Caranby faintly, "but at the time I knew
nothing, and was much puzzled with the letter. On that night
I intended to tell you, but I did not. Then I thought I would
go down to Rose Cottage and prove the truth of the letter. I
went almost immediately after you, Cuthbert."
"What, in your state of health?"
"Yes. I was stronger then."
"And have been less strong since," murmured Yeo. "I
understand now why you refused to tell me how you had
over-exerted yourself."
"I had my secret to keep," said Caranby coldly, "some more
drink, please." Then, when he felt better, he continued "Yes!
I was wonderfully well and strong on that night. I climbed
the wall--"
"Impossible!" said Mallow, "I can't believe that."
"Nevertheless it is the truth.
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