CHAPTER XXIV. THE STOLEN MANUSCRIPT
Allen looked on the manuscript thus suddenly produced in mute wonder. With a swift glance he questioned Dora as to what it was--for he could not yet bring himself to believe that it was the lost paper--and how she had come by it. The girl afforded him at once a concise explanation.
"It is the paper containing an account of the early life of Mr. Edermont," said she, with a nod; "the manuscript stolen from the bureau, on account of which we believe the murder to have been perpetrated. I found it in the cottage of Joad."
"In the cottage of Joad?" echoed Allen slowly. "How did he come by it?"
"By robbery and murder. He is the guilty person."
"Dora--are you sure? He proved an alibi, you know."
"I am aware of that, and I am aware also how he prepared s
