Throughout the whole
of this case Braddock has acted in a perfectly innocent way."
"That's just it," said Sir Frank caustically; "he has acted. In
spite of his pretended grief for the loss of the emeralds, I
should not be surprised to learn from that," he nodded towards
the confession on the table, "that he was in possession of the
missing gem. Cockatoo had no reason to steal the emeralds
himself, setting aside the fact that he probably would not know
their value, being but a semi-civilized savage. He acted under
orders from his master, and although Cockatoo strangled Bolton,
the Professor is really the author and the gainer and the moving
spirit."
"You would make Braddock an accessory before the fact."
"Yes, and Mrs. Jasher an accessory after the fact. Cockatoo is
the link, as the actual criminal, who joins the two in a guilty
partnership. No wonder Braddock intended to make that woman his
wife even though he did not love her, for she knew a jolly sight
too much for his peace of mind."
"This is horrible," murmured Hope desperately; "but it is mere
theory. We cannot be sure until we read the confession."
"We'll be sure soon, then, for here comes the coffee."
This last remark Random made when a timid knock came to the door,
and a moment later the landlady entered with a tray bearing cups,
saucers, and a jug of steaming coffee.
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