If it cost me my own life I intended to discover her and hold her dear
form once again in my arms.
She was mine--mine before God and before man; and these persons seeking
for some mysterious motive to shield the false Professor should not
further stand in the way of justice.
"You think I dare not go to the police!" I cried at last. "Very well,
if you care to come with me to Scotland Yard now--for I am going
straight there--I will, in the presence of both of you, unfold a strange
tale which they'll be very much surprised to hear."
"You believe you know the truth!" laughed Langton. "No, my dear
Holford. Don't be such a fool! The police cannot help in this affair,
for the mystery is far too complicated. Keep your own counsel."
"Yes," I sneered, "and depend upon the man of whom you have denied all
knowledge--the man Kershaw Kirk."
"Kershaw Kirk!" gasped the doctor, and I saw that he went pale, his dark
eyes starting from his head. "Do you know him? Is he--is he your
friend, Mr. Holford--or--_or your enemy_?"