"Ah! I fear, Mr Leaf, that your kind assistance would be unavailing,
although I thank you all the same. That man yonder held my life in his
hand. One word from him would have saved me. But he refused, and
before I could overtake him Death had claimed him."
"He told me that he felt no regret in having to die," I said.
"Of course not. Had he lived the truth would have been revealed, and he
would have dragged out his remaining days in a convict prison. I know
that truth--a strange and startling one--a truth which would assuredly
amaze and astound you. But he is dead," she added, "and though he
refused to give me back my honour and my life I will never seek a
vendetta upon one whom the Avenger has already claimed--one whom God
Himself has justly judged."
And together we turned, and left the silent chamber wherein lay the
remains of the man who was a mystery.