Cuthbert dipped his pen in the ink, but did not dare even to think.  He was wondering how the death of Emilia had come about, and also how his uncle had gone to the unfinished house on the same night as he had done.  Remembering how Basil stated he had been chased by someone unknown, Cuthbert began to fancy he saw light.  However, at this moment Caranby began to speak, and as every moment was precious, both men forbore to interrupt him unless desirous to have a clearer understanding on certain points.

“When I came back to England,” said Caranby, “I never thought that Emilia was alive.  Owing to the clever way in which the substitution was effected by Isabella, I always thought Selina lived at Rose Cottage.  Several times I tried to see her, hoping she would marry me.  But she always refused.  I was puzzled at the time, but now I know the reason.  I never thought of looking at the unfinished house.  It was a piece of sentimental folly my shutting it up, but afterwards, as time slipped by, I never troubled about looking into the matter.  As Cuthbert will tell you, Yeo, laziness is a vice with me.”

“Go on with the story and save your strength,” said Yeo softly.

“Yes.”  Caranby heaved a sigh.  “I haven’t much left.  Well, Cuthbert, you told me about the ghosts supposed to be haunting the house.  I asked you to go down and see.  You came here one night and left at eight o’clock to go down to Rexton.”

“I never expected you to follow.  Why did you not come with me?”

“Because I was keeping something back from you.  On the previous day I received a letter.  There was no name to it, and the writing was disguised.  It advised me to see Selina Loach, and said I would be surprised when she spoke to me.”

“Because then you would recognize the woman you believed to be dead.”

“Exactly,” said Caranby faintly, “but at the time I knew nothing, and was much puzzled with the letter.  On that night I intended to tell you, but I did not.  Then I thought I would go down to Rose Cottage and prove the truth of the letter.  I went almost immediately after you, Cuthbert.”

“What, in your state of health?”

“Yes.  I was stronger then.”

“And have been less strong since,” murmured Yeo.  “I understand now why you refused to tell me how you had over-exerted yourself.”

“I had my secret to keep,” said Caranby coldly, “some more drink, please.”  Then, when he felt better, he continued “Yes!  I was wonderfully well and strong on that night.  I climbed the wall—­”

“Impossible!” said Mallow, “I can’t believe that.”

“Nevertheless it is the truth.  I expect the excitement made me unnaturally strong.  I suffered greatly when it was over.”

“You were a wreck,” said the physician bluntly.

“When what was over?” asked Mallow, anxiously.

“The event of the night to which I am coming.  It took me some time to get to Rexton, and a long time to walk to the unfinished house.  I did not go down Crooked Lane, but round by the wall.”