human
Am I supposed to have bought this bag?
gpt
No, my lady. It was sold to Prentice, who was sempstress at Geralton and we believe it is the one in which Lady Wilmersley carried off her jewels.
human
If that is so, how do you connect me with it? Because it happens to have been found here, do you accuse me of having robbed my cousin?
gpt
No, my lady, but as you spent the night of the murder in Newhaven----
human
No, no!
gpt
It is useless to deny it. His Lordship himself told me that you had joined him there.
human
I lied! It was not her Ladyship who was with me. Her Ladyship was in Paris at the time. I swear it on my honour. The bag is--is mine. You can arrest me. I am guilty.
gpt
Guilty of what, my lord? Of a murder which was committed while you were still in France--
human
Yes! I mean I instigated it--I hated my cousin--I needed the money, so I hired an accomplice. He bungled things. I give myself up. I confess. What more do you want?
gpt
Not so fast, my lord. Of course, if you insist upon it, I shall have to arrest you, but I don't believe you had anything more to do with the murder than I had, and I would stake my reputation on your being as straight a gentleman as I ever met professionally. Wait a bit, my lord, don't be 'asty.
human
Mr. Campbell, my lord.
gpt
Guy, exclaimed Cyril.
human
You have arrived in the nick of time. I have confessed.
gpt
Confessed what?
human
His Lordship says that he hired an assassin to murder Lord Wilmersley.
gpt
What rot! You don't believe him, I hope?
human
He _shall_ believe me, cried Cyril.
gpt
I alone am responsible for Wilmersley's death. The person who actually fired the shot was nothing but my tool. I will never betray him, never!
human
Honour among murderers, I see! Really, Cyril, you are too ridiculous,
gpt
Who is this lady?
human
My wife! Look after her. Look after everything.
gpt
Mr. Judson is 'ere, my lord. I told him you were engaged, but he says he would like to speak to you most particular.
human
I don't want to see him,
gpt
Don't be a greater fool than you can help, exclaimed Campbell.
human
How do you know that he has not some important news?
gpt
But--
human
Good morning, your Lordship. How do you do, Inspector. Mr. Campbell, I believe. Your servant, your Ladyship. I took the liberty of forcing myself upon you at this moment, my lord, because I have just learnt certain facts which----
gpt
It is too late to report, interposed Cyril hastily.
human
I have confessed.
gpt
Why, my lord, what is the use of pretending that you had anything to do with the murder? I hurried here to tell you that there is no further need of your sacrificing yourself. I have found out who----
human
Shut up, I say. I did it. It's none of your business anyhow!
gpt
Don't listen to his Lordship, said Amy.
human
We all know, of course, that he is perfectly innocent. He is trying to shield some one. But who?
gpt
That's just it, Judson agreed.
human
And it is partly my fault. I convinced his Lordship that Lord Wilmersley was murdered by his wife. I have come here to tell him that I was mistaken. It is lucky that I discovered the truth in time.
gpt
Thank God! cried Cyril.
human
I always knew she was innocent.
gpt
I suppose that you have some fact to support your extraordinary assertion?
human
Certainly, but I will say no more till I have his Lordship's permission. He is my employer, you know.
gpt
What difference does that make? asked Cyril.
human
I am more anxious than any one to discover the truth.
gpt
Permit me to suggest, my lord, that it would be better if I could first speak to you in private.
human
Nonsense, exclaimed Cyril impatiently.
gpt
I am tired of this eternal secrecy. Tell us what you have found out.
human
Very well, only remember, I warned you.
gpt
That's all right.
human
Have you forgotten, my lord, that I told you I always had an idea that those two Frenchmen who were staying at the Red Lion Inn, were somehow implicated in the affair?
gpt
But what possible motive could they have had for murdering my cousin?
human
We are waiting. What about those Frenchmen?
gpt
You wish me to continue?
human
Certainly. Why not?
gpt
Having once discovered their identity, my lord, their motive was quite apparent.
human
Well, who are they? Out with it.
gpt
The elder, began Judson, speaking very slowly,
human
Stop! Your suspicions are absurd! Do not listen to him, Inspector!