"And you can ride over to the castle, Conniston," he said to that young gentleman, who accompanied him to the station, "and tell Bernard to hold himself in readiness to come to London."
"Will he be arrested?"
"I fancy so. But I can't yet be sure. At all events, Beryl will be accused and taken in charge, so Bernard will soon be set free."
"What about Jerry?"
"I will go to Scotland Yard as soon as I arrive, and see if anything has been heard of the young scamp. However, if we get Beryl, we may be able to do without Jerry."
"Do you intend to have Michael arrested?"
"Yes," said Durham, calmly, "as an accessory before the fact. I can't say if he is innocent or guilty."
"But, Durham, you heard him declare that he was unaware6 that Beryl intended to kill Sir Simon. Michael only called to see about the check."
"I doubt that part of his confession," replied the lawyer, dryly. "It appears to me that Michael would have kept out of the way had he entertained the slightest idea that Sir Simon—as he did—guessed that the check was forged. Besides, I want to have a mention of Michael Gilroy's arrest put in the papers, so that his mother may be withdrawn7 from her hiding-place."
"Do you think she will come?"
"I am certain. She alone knows what took place when Beryl entered the house and how he strangled the old man. I am convinced that to save her son she will denounce Julius, no matter what offer he has made to her about holding her tongue. Here's the train. Good-bye, Conniston, and bring Bernard up to town when I send a wire."
The train steamed off, and Conniston was left standing8 on the platform. "I do hope all this business will soon be at an end," he said to himself. "I am about weary of surprises."
Already it had been arranged that Miss Berengaria should keep an eye on Michael—who never expected to be arrested—so Conniston had no need to return to the Bower9. Mounting his horse he took his way along the high-road to the castle, and arrived there somewhere about two o'clock. As there was no one about the place he put up the horse himself, and then came to the front door. Much to his surprise it was locked, but a vigorous ringing of the bell brought Mrs. Moon to the door. That estimable lady looked worried, and her pallid10 face was whiter than ever, gleaming like the moon itself from the frilling of her cap. When she saw her master, she lifted up her large hands.
"Goodness be praised your lordship has come," said she, with a moan and groan11 combined in a most extraordinary way. "Have you seen my wicked Victoria, your lordship?"
"No. Has she gone away?"
"Last night," said Mrs. Moon, drifting into the hall. "Bless your lordship dear, she went away before ten o'clock in her best things, saying she would be back. And not an eye have I set on her since. But then I expect the coming of Jerry upset her."
"Jerry!" shouted Conniston, throwing down his cap. "Did you say that Jerry was here?"
"Yes. He's here, your lordship, and he has sent Mr. Grant mad. As soon as Jerry set eyes on Mr. Grant last night, when he come at nine o'clock, he had his hair standing on end. Mr. Grant, he was amazed-like also, and took Jerry to his room. There he have kept him locked up, and wished to send a messenger to your dear lordship, and——"
Conniston waited to hear no more. He tore up the stairs two at a time, and burst red-faced and excited into Bernard's sitting-room12.
His friend had already heard his hasty footsteps, and was on his feet staring at the door. "I'm glad you've come, Conniston," he said breathlessly. "That boy Jerry is here, and I've locked him up in case he should get away and tell Beryl."
"Beryl has his hands full at present," said Conniston, grimly. "As to Judas, he's wanted by the police."
"The dickens! What for?"
"For trying to poison Michael Gilroy!"
Bernard stared. "Michael Gilroy? Where is he?"
"At Miss Plantagenet's. It's a long story. I'll tell it to you as soon as I can get my breath. Where's Jerry?"
"Shut up in an empty room," said Bernard. "He came last night at nine or thereabouts. I was outside the castle door and saw him coming. I did not know it was him until I stepped into the hall. When Jerry saw me, his hair rose on end, and he appeared to be frightened out of his life."
"As he well may be," muttered Conniston.
"I collared him, and he tried to get away. But I took him to my room and kept him there. He refused to answer my questions unless I let him go. Of course not being able to trust him, I declined, so I am quite in the dark as to what he has been doing. I then shut him up in an empty room, with a barred window, and sent Victoria in to take him some food. And then a queer thing happened, Conniston. Victoria took him in the food, and was with Jerry for about ten minutes. When she came out she went downstairs and dressed herself in her best. Then she left the castle, and has not been heard of since. I am afraid she has gone to tell Beryl where I am," concluded Bernard, gloomily. "And I may be arrested to-day. I should have looked after Victoria, but I never knew that Jerry would act so promptly13. He is a perfect imp14 for cleverness."
"Don't you trouble your head about being arrested," said Dick, drawing a long breath. "It's not about that Victoria has gone."
"But what can the boy have sent her away for?"
"To warn Beryl. It's a pity you didn't keep the two apart," said Conniston, much vexed15. "But as you have been so much in the dark, you can't help the mistake you made. As to arrest, you may have to give yourself up. Mark told me to inform you to hold yourself in readiness."
"I shall be delighted," said Gore, emphatically. "I am about tired of this hole-and-corner business. But what about Michael Gilroy?"
"Sit down," said Conniston, lighting16 a cigarette. "I will tell you the whole story. It was not told you before, as Mark was afraid, with your impatient disposition17, you would insist on turning up and spoiling the whole business."
"I daresay I should have done so," admitted Bernard, frankly18. "But, tell me, what's up, old chap? I'm on tenterhooks19."
"Well, in the first place, we have discovered that Julius killed your grandfather."
Bernard started to his feet. "What!" he shouted, then calmed down. "I almost expected to hear you say that," he added. "How was the villain20 found out?"
"You may well call him a villain," rejoined Conniston; "he has tried to poison Michael."
"What for?"
"To get rid of an undesirable21 witness, I suppose. He employed Jerry to give him some arsenic22 in a cup of tea. Jerry did so, and then cleared out, Mark communicated [pg 281]with Scotland Yard about Jerry, but we never expected he would be here. It's a lucky thing you kept the young wretch23 prisoner, Bernard."
"This is all very well," said Bernard, who looked bewildered. "But you tell me so many facts without detail that I can't understand how to connect them. Tell me the whole story."
"You won't interrupt if I do?"
"No," said Gore, impatiently, "fire ahead, Dick."
Conniston did so at once, and related all that had hitherto been kept from Gore's knowledge. Bernard listened in silence, save for an occasional ejaculation, which showed how difficult he found it to keep his promise not to interrupt. "And I think Mark was about right to keep these things from you, Bernard," said Conniston, when he ended. "For you are in a wax hearing them now."
"And who wouldn't be in a wax?" demanded Gore, furiously. "Look at the way in which I have been treated. Beryl has made me a scape-goat for his own wickedness. I have been compelled to hide my head. I have been accused of an awful crime—my reputation has been ruined. I should think I am furious, and I have a right to be."
"Bernard! Bernard!" said Dick, shaking his smooth head, "your troubles have taught you little. It was your furious temper that led you to fight with Sir Simon. You then said words which made it probable to outsiders that you committed this crime. And now, when all is on the eve of being cleared up, you have as bad a temper as ever."
"But think of that man Michael masquerading as me," went on Bernard, determined24 to speak out. "It was bad enough in London, but that he should dare to come to Alice—oh!" in an access of rage he shook his fist. Then he sat down to recover himself. "You are right, Dick," he remarked, wiping his forehead, "I'm a fool. I'll never learn wisdom. Heaven knows I have had a severe lesson. I will try and control this beastly temper of mine. But, after all, seeing that I love Alice so much, it is not to be wondered at that I should be annoyed at another man taking my place."
"He didn't," replied Conniston, calmly and soothingly25. "Miss Malleson guessed the truth about him straight off. She has only used him as an instrument to learn what she could. Don't you fuss, Bernard. What we have to do is to question Judas, and see if he can supplement the revelations of Michael, your half-brother."
"Don't talk about that fellow being my half-brother."
"Well, he is, isn't he?"
"Yes, but—well, I suppose I should rather pity than blame the chap."
"I think so too," said Dick gravely. "Miss Berengaria says there is much good in him. She intends to assist him when she can."
"I shall help him also," said Bernard, after a pause. "The poor fellow can't help his birth, and I owe him something for the way in which my father behaved to his mother."
"This is a change of temper," laughed Conniston.
"Oh, I soon get into a rage and soon get over it," rejoined Gore, impatiently. "But we must examine this boy, Dick. He won't answer me though. I have been asking him plenty of questions."
"He'll answer me," said Conniston, rising. "I know about the poisoning. He won't face that."
"But did he really——"
"Yes, he did. I told you he was an imp of darkness, though, to be sure, I never expected he'd begin to murder people at his tender age. Come along, Bernard, show me the captive."
Gore led the way from the room and along a narrow passage. At the end of this was a door, which he opened. It led into a large empty room, but no sooner was the door opened, than a small boy darted26 out and endeavored to get away. He ran straight into Conniston's arms.
"Now then, young Judas," said Dick, setting the boy on his legs and giving him a good shake. "Come and be tried."
"Yes! I know all about your poisoning, young man."
Jerry dropped on his knees. "I didn't," he declared, "oh lor, I really didn't. Miss Plantagenet ordered the tea. She gave me the cup I——"
"Here," said Conniston, giving him another shake, "stop that rubbish, you young beast. You dare to say such things of my aunt, who has been so kind to you. Hanging is too good for such a scamp. Come along, and answer our questions."
But Jerry, grovelling28 on the floor, embraced Conniston's riding-boots in an agony of terror. "Oh, please," he whimpered, "I didn't mean to do any harm. Mr. Beryl gave me some white stuff and told me to give it in tea to the sick gentleman. I thought it would do him good!"
With great disgust Dick picked up the young liar29 in his arms and carried him kicking to the sitting-room, followed by Bernard. When the door was closed, Bernard locked it, and there was no chance of Jerry getting away, as the window was thirty feet from the ground. Gore took a seat in one arm-chair and Conniston threw himself into the other, after flinging Jerry on the hearth-rug. The boy lay there, kicking and howling, nearly out of his wits with terror.
"Shut up!" said Dick, sharply. "You have to answer questions."
"I sha'n't," said Jerry. "You'll hang me."
"There's no chance of that, worse luck," said Conniston, regretfully.
On hearing this, the boy sat up. "Isn't he dead?" he asked eagerly.
"Oh!" mocked Bernard, "and you thought the white stuff would do the sick gentleman good—you young scoundrel! No. He isn't dead, Lord Conniston says, but small thanks to you."
"Oh!" Jerry seemed at once relieved and disappointed. "I won't get the two thousand pounds now."
"And you won't be hanged either, though you richly deserve it."
"I don't. I've done nothing," said Jerry, sulkily.
"You have attempted to poison Michael Gilroy——"
"Do you know his name, Mr. Grant?"
"Yes! And you know mine, Master Jerry. Come now, you must reply to the questions which Lord Conniston wishes to put."
"Sha'n't," said Jerry, and set his pretty, tearful face firmly.
"Judas," said Conniston, taking his riding-whip from a near table, "there's only one course to be pursued with boys like you. If you don't speak out, I'll give you one of the finest thrashings you ever had in your life."
"I'll have an action against you then," snapped Jerry, very pale.
"Certainly. But you'll have to get out of prison to bring it."
"Prison?" Jerry quavered and shook all over.
"Yes, prison," mimicked30 Conniston. "Do you think you can behave like a young criminal and get off scot free?"
"I was deceived by Mr. Beryl. He's older than I am. I am only a boy."
"You are old enough to be hanged, at all events."
"You said I wouldn't be, my lord."
"That depends upon my good word," said Conniston, bluffing31; "and you won't have that unless you confess."
"Confess what, my lord?"
"All about this business connected with Beryl," put in Gore. "It was you who led me to the house in Crimea Square."
"I didn't—I didn't!" And then Jerry uttered a howl as Conniston's whip came across his back.
"Hold your tongue and answer."
"How can I hold my tongue and answer at the same time, my lord?"
Conniston took out his watch. "I'll give you two minutes to make up your mind to talk sense. You are clever enough when it suits you. If you won't speak, I'll thrash you thoroughly32, and then take you up to be handed to the police."
"And if I do, my lord?"
"I'll spare you the thrashing. But you must go to the police. You are being enquired33 for, young Judas. Only by confessing the whole can you avoid danger to your neck."
"Only Mr. Beryl can get me into trouble, and you won't find him," said Jerry, tauntingly34. "I sent Victoria to him with a letter last night, and she must have caught the eleven train to London. I daresay she saw Mr. Beryl last night, and he's got away."
"Why did you act so promptly?" asked Gore.
"Because I saw you, Sir Bernard. I knew the game was up, and that you were playing the fool with Mr. Beryl in getting that will signed."
"Ah! so we all were," said Conniston, calmly. "The game is up, so you had better explain your share in it. Begin from the time you were kicked out of Taberley's for stealing."
"I sha'n't," said Jerry. "I don't believe you can hurt me."
Dick's patience was exhausted35. He caught the young wretch by the scruff of the neck and thrashed him thoroughly. Jerry, who had never been beaten before in his life, wept and howled and begged for mercy. At last Conniston threw him again on the rug thoroughly cowed, and between sobs36 Jerry expressed his willingness to reply to whatever questions were put to him. The examination was conducted as though Conniston was a barrister and Jerry a witness. Bernard, in the character of a reporter, went to the writing-table and took notes. Jerry stood wiping his eyes and replying tearfully.
"When did you meet Beryl?" asked Dick.
"At Taberley's. He knew I was Mrs. Moon's grandson, as he saw me here at one time. When I was kicked out, he promised to help me. I was told to watch Sir Bernard, and I did. I saw you, my lord, with Sir Bernard in the Park. I was always watching Sir Bernard."
"I see. That was why you sold matches. Well, and it was you who told Beryl that Sir Bernard was at Mr. Durham's house on that night?"
"Yes," snuffled Jerry. "I saw him go in. I then went to the theatre, and Mr. Beryl came out to see me. I told him, and he said I was to bring Sir Bernard to the Square."
"In any case, Beryl intended Sir Bernard should be brought there on that night?"
"Yes. About eleven o'clock or a little earlier. And I waited outside on that night and——"
"You needn't explain that," said Gore, turning his head. "I remember how you drew me to the place. Did Beryl tell you to speak of the Red Light?"
"Yes. He said you would come if I talked of a lady and the Red Window. And Sir Simon had arranged the red light with a lamp and a handkerchief, Mr. Beryl told me afterwards. I didn't know it on the night. All I had to do was to bring you to the Square."
"And what about the whistle you gave?"
"That was to let Mr. Beryl know you were outside?"
"Was Beryl in the house at that time?"
"No," said Jerry, after a few moments of thought. "He should have been there, but he afterwards told me that he had come earlier and had gone away."
"Did he intend to murder Sir Simon?"
"I can't say," replied the boy, doubtfully. "He made that chap, Gilroy, dress up as you, and court the housemaid. His idea was to get Sir Simon to think you were making love to Jane. I think he wished to bring you to the house, so that on seeing the red light you might go in, and then Sir Simon would have quarrelled with you for loving Jane. I don't think he intended murder. But Michael Gilroy came and saw Sir Simon, and then bolted when he saw the Italian, thinking he was a detective. He told Mr. Beryl that the next day!"
"Who came to the house on that night, Jerry? State the time they came also."
Jerry thought again. "The Italian came first, and while he was in the room, about ten I think, Michael came. Then Michael bolted, and the Italian followed. Then shortly after ten Mr. Beryl came from the theatre——"
"Did you see him?"
"Didn't you see Beryl at all that night—I mean again after you saw him to tell him where Sir Bernard was?"
"Yes, I did," said Jerry, rubbing his legs which were sore. "I may as well tell the truth. Just as we turned into Crimea Square, Sir Bernard, I brushed past Mr. Beryl."
"How could you recognize him in the fog?"
"I did. I saw him under a lamp. He was going back to the theatre and was very pale. Then I cut to look after Sir Bernard. I gave the whistle and then I cleared. Next day Mr. Beryl told me all that had taken place."
"Did you think he had committed the crime?"
"No, I thought that Michael had. He had forged a check, and I thought that he would quarrel with Sir Simon and kill him."
The boy spoke38 in all earnestness, so apparently39 Julius had been clever enough to keep the fact of his own guilt3 secret. But for the handkerchief it would have been difficult to have accused him. Conniston asked a final question. "How much do you get for all this?"
"Two thousand pounds if Michael died."
"If you poisoned him?" asked Bernard.
"Yes," said Jerry, sulkily. "I did intend to poison him, as I wanted the two thousand pounds. I came on here, and was then going to hide in London. After that, I should have sent for Victoria, and when Mr. Beryl paid, we would have gone to America."
"And why didn't you carry out this clever plan?" asked Gore.
Jerry turned still more sulky. "Because I saw you, and then I knew the game was up. Even if Michael had died, you would have been able to claim the property."
"Then Beryl really believed I was dead?"
"Yes, he did—so did I. When Victoria wrote me that you were here, I thought you were Michael. And when Michael came over to the Bower, I thought he had come from here. If I had known the truth——"
"Well?" said Bernard, dryly.
Jerry smiled amiably40. "I'd have chucked Mr. Beryl and offered to prove your innocence41 if you gave me the two thousand. No," added Jerry, with a charming smile, "I'd have asked three thousand from you."
The young men looked at one another in wonder at this precocious42 criminality. "Can you prove my innocence?" asked Bernard.
"Yes," said Jerry.
"You know who killed Sir Simon?"
"Yes, I do. But I won't tell till I have seen Beryl," and this was all they could get out of him, in spite of threats of further whippings and cajolings. So Jerry was taken back to his room, and Bernard arranged with Conniston that the boy should be taken to London that very day.
"And then, when Durham lets me know, I'll surrender myself. But I wonder who killed my grandfather after all."
"Julius Beryl," said Conniston.
"Hum! I don't know. This boy seems to have some idea. I tell you what, Dick, I shouldn't be surprised if the boy did it himself."
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1
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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2
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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gore
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| n.凝血，血污；v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破；缝以补裆；顶 | |
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entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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6
unaware
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| a.不知道的，未意识到的 | |
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7
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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8
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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bower
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| n.凉亭，树荫下凉快之处；闺房；v.荫蔽 | |
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10
pallid
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| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
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groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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imp
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| n.顽童 | |
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vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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16
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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tenterhooks
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| n.坐立不安 | |
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villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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undesirable
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| adj.不受欢迎的，不良的，不合意的，讨厌的；n.不受欢迎的人，不良分子 | |
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arsenic
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| n.砒霜，砷；adj.砷的 | |
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wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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soothingly
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| adv.抚慰地，安慰地；镇痛地 | |
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darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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grovelling
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| adj.卑下的，奴颜婢膝的v.卑躬屈节，奴颜婢膝( grovel的现在分词 )；趴 | |
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liar
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| n.说谎的人 | |
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mimicked
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| v.（尤指为了逗乐而）模仿( mimic的过去式和过去分词 )；酷似 | |
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31
bluffing
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| n. 威吓，唬人 动词bluff的现在分词形式 | |
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32
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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33
enquired
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| 打听( enquire的过去式和过去分词 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
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tauntingly
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| 嘲笑地，辱骂地； 嘲骂地 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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36
sobs
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| 啜泣（声），呜咽（声）( sob的名词复数 ) | |
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tartly
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| adv.辛辣地，刻薄地 | |
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38
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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39
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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40
amiably
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| adv.和蔼可亲地，亲切地 | |
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41
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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precocious
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| adj.早熟的；较早显出的 | |
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