Fergus Hume

“ There!” Dick patted her shoulder with extreme tenderness and only wished that he dare offer the consolation of a warm embrace, “Buck up; never say die. When bravely faced, things are never so bad as they seem. My handkerchief!”
“Thank you, I have one of my own,” sobbed Aileen, refusing the offer resentfully.
Hustings laughed, although in his heart of hearts he was far from feeling in any way gay. His studied bullying was merely intended to arouse the girl to action. And action immediate and strong was required if Edith Danby was to be saved—against her will, as it would seem. ”

“ Nor did Edith, I feel convinced. What on earth would she do with a box of tattooing instruments, unless she got them for this purpose? And, as I say, she hasn’t sufficient will-power to do what she is accused of doing.”
“Well!” Hustings rose and began to pace the room leisurely, “it comes to this: that Miss Danby is innocent, but that some enemy of hers and Slanton has brought about this devilment to do away with him and get her out of the way. It is a case of killing two birds with one stone,” he turned suddenly to face the girl. ”

“ Aileen, I begin to believe that there is another person concerned in this matter.”
“So do I,” she sparkled, all vivacity and intense interest, and that other person hid the lacquer-box in the book-case to incriminate Edith.”
Hustings nodded. “After using its contents to tattoo Slanton! Miss Danby’s past—Slanton’s past—we must look there for the person in question.”
“Oh Dick, Dick! She is innocent,” Aileen clasped his arm excitedly.
“Go slowly. One swallow doesn’t make a summer. But—we’ve made a beginning.” ”