"All these points of evidence were in my hands yesterday morning
in this room," Hughes went on. "Still, the answer they gave me was
so unbelievable, so astounding, I was not satisfied; I wanted even
stronger proof. That is why I directed suspicion to my American
friend here. I was waiting. I knew that at last Von der Herts
realized the danger he was in. I felt that if opportunity were
offered he would attempt to escape from England; and then our proofs
of his guilt would be unanswerable, despite his cleverness. True
enough, in the afternoon he secured the release of the countess,
and together they started for the Continent. I was lucky enough to
get him at Dover--and glad to let the lady go on."
And now, for the first time, the startling truth struck me full in
the face as Hughes smiled down at his victim.
"Inspector Bray," he said, "or Von der Herts, as you choose, I
arrest you on two counts: First, as the head of the Wilhelmstrasse
spy system in England; second, as the murderer of Captain
Fraser-Freer. And, if you will allow me, I wish to compliment you
on your efficiency."
Bray did not reply for a moment. I sat numb in my chair. Finally
the inspector looked up. He actually tried to smile.
"You win the hat," he said, "but you must go to Homburg for it.
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