Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/126

 under suspicion—Oldbeg no more than another. This job, however, was not the work of a clumsy man like Oldbeg. When we find the murderer, you'll find a man of quick motions, delicacy of touch, strong purpose, assured position, and considerable refinement. You'll find a man to whom murder is repugnant and who resorted to it only as a last desperate chance. You'll find therefore a man who was desperate, whose all was at stake, and who knew that Wing's continued living meant the loss of that all. Now, if you can tell me where there is such a man, I'll give you proof of his guilt so conclusive before night that no one will hesitate to approve his arrest."

As he spoke, McManus grew pale. Something brought a terrible picture before his eyes. As never before, he realised the desperate chase in which they were involved.

"It was, then, in your opinion no mere desire for sordid gain that impelled to the crime?"

"Who has gained by it? Some one that by it has been saved from loss, and tremendous loss. Don't fool yourself. Don't look for any common criminal,