"I know everything, Miss Gordon. Anything I can do--"
"Did Dr. Ellis tell you about the red pocket-book?"
"Yes. You say it was taken from the dead body. What of it?"
Janet took the book out of her pocket and placed it on the table. "There it is," she said triumphantly. "All the papers have been taken out of it. But that is the pocket-book which the murderer stole from the corpse."
"Great Heavens! How did it come into your possession?"
"I found it by chance in the desk of Herr Schwartz."
Cass started. "Do you mean to say that Schwartz is the murderer?"
"I do. If he is not, how could he become possessed of that book?"
"It is strong circumstantial evidence certainly," said Cass, after a pause. "But Schwartz--it is incredible! I always considered him such a good fellow."
"He is, he is," said Janet, with emotion. "He has been a good friend to me. I can't conceive him guilty. Even if he is, I do not wish him punished. Let him write out a confession exonerating my sister, that is all I want."
"If he does that he puts the rope round his own neck, Miss Gordon. If your sister is to be exonerated and saved from the malignity of Busham, the confession would have to be made public."
"I cannot say at present. If you will leave the pocket-book to me I will speak to Ellis, and we can come to some decision."
"Certainly I will give you the book," said Janet, rising. "I have every confidence in you and Dr. Ellis."
"Thank you. Would you mind explaining precisely how you came into possession of the pocket-book?"
"Not at all," said Janet, and she related, in a concise manner, how Hilda's prank with the desk had led to the discovery of the book.
Having given Cass all possible information, and answered all possible questions, Janet, tired out with her emotions, and with the unusual exercise, took her leave. Cass accompanied her to the door, and promised to inform her of all that should happen in connection with this new piece of evidence. Somewhat relieved, Janet went home to Myrtle Villa.
Immediately on the doctor's return, Cass showed him the pocket-book, and repeated Janet's story. Ellis, naturally enough, was as surprised as his friend, and discussed the matter with him at length. Finally, it was decided that Ellis should see Schwartz that same evening, and hear what he had to say for himself. Owing to the exigencies of his profession as critic, Harry could not accompany his friend. The doctor was not sorry, as he thought that he could get more out of Schwartz when alone with him than in the presence of a third person. He did not take the pocket-book with him lest it should be lost, for Schwartz was a determined man to deal with. As yet Ellis could hardly credit that he was guilty, and in spite of the damning evidence found by Janet he postponed, making up his mind until he heard what the German had to say for himself. In this frame of mind he started for the Merryman Music-Hail.