But the encounter frightened me, and I
resolved to break my contract with the Palaceum and bury myself
down here in the country.
"But somehow Mortimer learnt of my intention. The next night--it
was the night of the murder--he came to the theatre and warned me
against trying to elude his vigilance by flight. I have never
forgotten his words.
"'I can afford to wait,' he said, 'for I shall get what I want: I
always do. But you have chosen to set yourself against me and you
will bitterly repent it!"
As though the recollection proved too much for her, Nur-el-Din
broke off her narrative and covered her face with her hands.
"And do you think that Mortimer did this murder?" asked Desmond
gently.
Wearily the girl raised her head.
"Either he or one of his accomplices, of whom this girl is one!"
she answered.
"But why not have put the jewel in a bank or one of the safe
deposits? Surely it was risky to have entrusted it to a girl of
whom you knew nothing"
"My friend,", said the dancer, "I was desperate. Mortimer sees
and knows all. This unexpected meeting with the daughter of my
old friend seemed at the moment like a heaven-sent chance to
place the jewel, unknown to him, in safe hands. I felt that as
long as I carried it on me, my life was in constant danger.
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