My brother is a member of
this gang. Misfortune overtook him, and in a moment of desperation he
became a member, a sworn member. He is very useful to them, owing to his
skill in certain directions. He has made a confidant of me. He has told
me everything and I, after a long struggle with myself, determined to
save him if I could by betraying his confederates. I know all their
identities. I know all their plans. I can place them bound hand and
foot in your power, but my brother must be saved. It is to save him that
I am prepared to make the terrible disclosure. You will become famous;
you will achieve a professional victory where all other detectives have
failed. You will do the country a service such as no detective ever
before performed, but the price of my disclosure is the salvation of my
brother."
"Why do you not cause your brother to withdraw from these criminals?"
"I cannot. I have exhausted my persuasion with him. He is mad, mad,
believes he is on the eve of the acquirement of great wealth. To be rich
is his mania. He is really insane. I wish to save him. I can do so only
by a betrayal of his confederates, and a disclosure of all their plans
and devices as revealed to me by my brother."
Oscar was amazed in spite of his inurement to surprises.
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