"I don't want to say," murmured the girl.

"But you must say," said Mallow angrily. "I order you to
confess."

"I kept silent for your sake, sir," she said, her eyes filled
with tears, "but if you must know, I took the portrait from
Senora Gredos' dressing-room when I left her house. And I
left it on your account, sir," she finished defiantly.




CHAPTER X

THE PARLOR-MAID'S STORY


On hearing the confession of the girl, both men looked at one
another in amazement. How could Cuthbert's photograph have
come into the possession of Senora Gredos, and why had Susan
Grant stolen it? And again, why did she hint that she had
held her tongue about the matter for the sake of Mallow?
Jennings at once proceeded to get at the truth. While being
examined Susan wept, with an occasional glance at the
bewildered Cuthbert.

"You were with Maraquito as parlor-maid?"

"With Senora Gredos? Yes, sir, for six months."