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"I wish, John," said he, "that you would reer

master and ht you to this dismal place as my friend"

"But surely, sir, a man's friend is worthy of his trust and

confidence?"

"John Peterby, what do youdown the teapot, "as I canized uise

and he told me to--warn you--"

"Well, John?"

"That you may be arrested--"

"Yes, John?"

"For--the murder of Jasper Gaunt Oh, sir, why have you aroused

suspicion against yourself by disappearing at such a time?"

"Suspicion?" said Barnabas, and with the word he rose and laying his

hands upon John Peterby's shoulders, looked into his eyes Then,

seeing the look they held, he smiled and shook his head

"Oh, friend," said he, "whatas you know my hands

are clean?"

"But, sir, if you are arrested--"

"Theydown

at the table

"Or an accessory--after the fact!"