“I Have been deliberately deceiving you.”

“And you announce your perfidy?”

“Yes; I do!”

“I cannot believe that you speak truly.”

“The hour has come when I must speak truly.  I have been deceiving you, but now I speak the truth.”

“Girl, do you fully comprehend what you are saying!”

“I do.”

“Do you know your peril?”

“Yes.”

“And you dare tell me that you are a beautiful cheat?”

“I dare.”

“I am amazed.”

“You will be more amazed, you villain.”

“You think I am a villain?”

“I know you are.”

“And you hate me?”

“Yes, I hate you!”

“Once for all, are you telling me the truth now?”

“I any telling you the truth.”

“Then, rash girl, beware!”

CHAPTER XLIV.

As the man Garcia spoke a figure darted in through the door-way, and with a cry of joy Renie exclaimed:  “You have come at last!”

“Yes; I am here.”

Garcia rose to his feet, a look of terror upon his face.  He recognized the intruder at a glance; it was Vance, the Government detective.  The latter but exchanged a word with Renie, when he drew a pair of handcuffs and advanced toward Garcia.  The latter recoiled and demanded: 

“What would you do?”

“Arrest you as a smuggler.”

“Approach me at your peril,” exclaimed the felon, and he raised his hand in a threatening manner.

Vance had no time to spare, and Garcia was quickly overpowered and handcuffed.

Vance led Renie from the room.

The detective had come prepared.  He found several officers at the door, who took possession of the house and the villain Garcia.

Our hero heard Renie’s story while taking her to a place of safety, and after leaving her, he proceeded to the hotel to meet the gentleman named Selton, whom he had season to believe had a strange story to tell.

Upon reaching the hotel Vance was shown to a handsome suite of rooms, and a few moments later, was joined by the gentleman whom he had met under such strange circumstances at the coast.

The meeting was cordial, and Mr. Selton said: 

“I have been waiting for you.”

“Well, sir, and here I promised to call and I have kept my word.”

“Now, sir, one word.  Have you learned any of the circumstances surrounding the death of old Tom Pearce?”

“He was murdered.”

“And the murderer has been discovered?”

“Yes he has been arrested.”

“Will you tell me all the circumstances”

The detective told him the details of Garcia’s arrest.

Mr. Selton showed a great deal of agitation as he asked:  “And the girl Renie?”

Vance assumed a grave look as he said: 

“Mr. Selton, you must satisfy me that you have an honest right to inquire about that girl before I answer your question.”