Hervey accuses you of this murder, of stealing the mummy, of gaining possession of the emeralds, and of placing the rifled corpse in Mrs.Jasher's garden, so that she might be accused of committing the crime." "Exactly," cried Braddock, seeing that his host remained silent from sheer surprise.

"Hope has stated the case very clearly.

Now, sir, your defense ?" "Defense! defense!" Random found his tongue at last and spoke indignantly.

"I have no defense to make." "Ah! Then you acknowledge your guilt ?" "I acknowledge nothing.

The accusation is too preposterous for any denial to be necessary.