"
"You placed it into Bordine's house one night, where it was found by the
officers, for the purpose of fixing that awful murder upon an innocent
man. Do you deny that?"
The outlaw was pallid and silent.
"It is true, and you dare not deny it. So far so good; but, gentlemen, it
is a mistake to suppose that this man, guilty as he is of crimes without
number, was the one who murdered Victoria Vane."
At this announcement the interest deepened on all faces, and the
countenance of the prisoner brightened.
"The person who murdered Miss Vane, with this dagger, was in turn
murdered by Andrew Barkswell, the prisoner here."
"Who was it?"
"Iris, your wife. _She was the assassin of Victoria Vane!_"
This announcement created a great sensation. Rose had revived, and
clinging to the strong arm of August, was listening in amazement to the
revelations of Hiram Shanks.
"I suspected it all the time," muttered the prisoner.
"You did? She found Victoria reading a letter from you, and in a fit of
insane jealousy she stole upon and drove this dagger into her throat.
Last night the poor woman died penitent, and made a full confession
before two witnesses.
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