"I think, Miss Lorena, that we need have no fear of Mr Statham doing anything rash," he said. "But why is it hoped that he will prefer to take his life rather than face any exposure?"

"Because they will profit by his death--profit to an enormous degree."

"But how can Adams profit? He has had no dealings with Mr Statham of late."

"Not Adams, but his friend. The latter will become wealthy."

"And may I not know his name?"

"No. That is the stipulation which I make. For the present it is sufficient that you should be made aware of the broad lines of the plot, and that its main object is the death of Samuel Statham."

"And you wish me to tell him all this?"

"Certainly, only without explaining that I was your informant."

"Why do you wish to conceal the fact, Miss Lorena?" he asked. "Surely he would be only too delighted to be able to thank you for your warning?"

She shook her head, saying:

"If it were known that I had exposed their plans it would place me in peril. They are determined and relentless men, who would willingly sacrifice a woman in order to gain their ends, which in this case is a large fortune."

"And you will not tell me the name of Adams's a.s.sociate in the matter?"

"No. I--I cannot do that. Please do not ask me," she answered hurriedly.

Rolfe was again silent for a few moments. At last he asked:

"Cannot you tell me something of the past relations between Adams and Statham? You seem to know all the details of the strange affair."

"Adams makes certain serious allegations which he can substantiate.

There is a certain witness whom Mr Statham believes to be dead, but who is still alive, and is now in England."

"A witness--of what?" asked Rolfe quickly.

"Of the crime which Adams alleges."

"Crime--what crime?" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the young man in surprise, staring at his pretty companion.

"Some serious offence, but of what nature I am not permitted to explain to you."

"Why not, Miss Lorena? You must! Remember that Mr Statham is in ignorance of this--I mean that Adams intends to charge him with a crime.

Surely the position is most serious! I imagined that Adams's charges were criticism of Mr Statham's methods of finance."

"Finance does not enter into it at all," said the girl. "The delegation is a secret crime by which the millionaire laid the foundation of his fortune; a crime committed abroad, and of which there are two witnesses still living, men who were, until a few weeks ago, believed to be dead.

"But you tell me that Adams's a.s.sociate will, if Mr Statham commits suicide, profit to an enormous amount. Will you not explain? If this is so, why have they not attempted to levy blackmail? If the charge has foundation--which I do not for one moment believe--then surely Mr Statham would be prepared to make payment and hush up the affair? He would not be human if he refused."

"The pair are fully alive to the danger of any attempt to procure money by promise of secrecy," she replied. "They have already fully considered the matter, and arrived at the conclusion that to compel Mr Statham to take his own life is the wiser and easier course."

"You seem to be in their confidence, Miss Lorena?" he said, gazing at the pretty girl at his side.

"Yes, I am. That is why I am unable to reveal to you the name of Adams's companion," she replied. "All I can tell you is that the intention is to make against him a terrible charge of which they possess evidence which is, apparently, overwhelming."

"Then you know the charge it is intended to bring against him--eh?"

"Yes," was her prompt answer. "To me it seems outrageous, incomprehensible--and yet--"

"Well?"

"And yet, if it is really true, it would account to a very great degree for Mr Statham's eccentricity of which I've so often read in the papers. No one enters his house in Park Lane. Is not that so?"

"He is shy, and does not care for strangers," was Rolfe's response.

"But it said in the paper only a week ago that n.o.body has ever been upstairs in that house except himself. There is a door on the stairs, they say, which is always kept locked and bolted."

"And if that is so?"

"Well--have you ever been upstairs, Mr Rolfe. Tell me; I'm very anxious to know."

"I make no secret of it," was his reply, smiling the while. "I have never been upstairs. Entrance there is forbidden."

"Even to you--his confidential secretary?"

"Yes, even to me."

"And yet there are signs of the upstairs' rooms being occupied," she remarked. "I have seen lights there myself, as I've pa.s.sed the house.

I was along Park Lane late one evening last week."

"So you have been recently in London?"

"London is my home. I am only here on a visit," was her reply. "And ascertaining you were coming here, I resolved to see you."

"And has this serious allegation which Adams intends to bring any connection with the mystery concerning the mansion?"

"Yes. It has."

"In what way?"

She paused, as though uncertain whether or not to tell the truth.

"Because," she said at last, "because I firmly believe, from facts known to me, that confirmation of the truth of Adams's charge will be discovered beyond that locked door!"

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

MAX BARCLAY IS INQUISITIVE.

"Miss Rolfe has left the firm's employ, sir."