Michael saw his brother off as a second-class passenger on a ship
bound for the Cape. Of course, there was little chance of his
keeping his word, but there was always the chance of his getting
himself knocked on the head in some brawl. Anyhow, he would be out
of the way for a season, and the girl, Lola, would be left. A month
later he married her, and four months after that received a letter
from his brother containing messages to Mrs. Martin, "from her
loving husband, Charlie," who hoped before long to have the pleasure
of seeing her again.
Inquiries through the English Consul in Rotterdam proved that the
threat was no mere bluff. The marriage had been legal and binding.
What happened on the night of the murder, was very much as my friend
had reconstructed it. Ellenby, reaching the office at his usual
time the next morning, had found Hepworth waiting for him. There he
had remained in hiding until one morning, with dyed hair and a
slight moustache, he had ventured forth.
Had the man's death been brought about by any other means, Ellenby
would have counselled his coming forward and facing his trial, as he
himself was anxious to do; but, viewed in conjunction with the
relief the man's death must have been to both of them, that loaded
revolver was too suggestive of premeditation.
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