The Argosy — page 110: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The White Witch. 93 ‘Perhaps you know who did commit it,” resumed Mr. Cattermole. “J have a strong suspicion,” replied Godfrey, assuming a good deal more certainty here than he felt. The officer looked at him long and keenly. He was used to the study of men’s faces, and even in the dusk Godfrey’s stolid expres- sion did not deceive him. ‘I am afraid your suspicion would not _count for much against what we &vow,” said he, civilly. “Then, if you know so much, why waste time hanging about here, instead of at once apprehending the criminal?” cried Godfrey. ‘‘ You want to question too far, sir.” “ And I will do it, too,” said the young man, setting his teeth. “T will ride over this very night to Goule Park, and tell Sir William ——” *« And so defeat the very purpose you had in coming to me this evening,” interrupted the other, in a hard voice of authority, which checked Godfrey’s rising excitement. ‘“ You have made a pretty shrewd guess in coming to me, or else a very lucky chance brought you ; for I am cognisant of all the circum- stances of the murder of young William Hunt. I know who com- mitted it; I know where the criminal is, and it only rests with me whether the apprehension is or is not made at once.” Godfrey shook inwardly. Mr. Cattermole continued : -“*T was in Rome two days after the murder was committed, and I could have laid my hand on the actual criminal then.” Godfrey hung forward, listening intently, unable to speak. Mr. Cattermole saw the tremor, and went on: “JT had not the heart to do it, and that’s the truth, Mr. Mayne. She was so young and so pretty, and I knew it was done in a moment of passion, zot of zntention. So I let her escape—and, indeed, interference on my part would have been gratuitous, for the business was not mine. But it was known at head-quarters that I was acquainted with the case, and when Sir William Hunt wrote to Scotland Yard the other day, it was I who was sent down upon it.” “You spared her then, you might spare her now,” cried Godfrey in agitation, not knowing what to think or believe. “T cannot tell that,” replied Mr. Cattermole. ‘For her own sake, I might be tempted to do it; but, unfortunately, Sir William is all alert, and he knows that some of the—the people—are here.” “Is it out of consideration for her that you have not already acted ?” “Out of pity—yes. And any leniency on my part would involve grave difficulties.” “To yourself?” , “Undoubtedly. See you not, sir, that if I were caught tripping in this case, or made a failure of it when the game is so ready to my hands, I should be ruined. Scotland Yard would send me packing.” “Even if it did—you might try a fresh life in America,” said Gomichboo ¢S) m ee ee