he safest employment in the world.

Leaving Barnes in the passageway the Doctor went into the front room,
and Barnes was horrified by what he saw next. Taking some matches from
his pocket he deliberately set fire to the old hangings at the
windows, and then lighted the half rotten mattress which rested upon a
bedstead, doubly inflammable from age. Despite his fear Barnes darted
out, only to be stopped by Dr. Medjora, who forcibly dragged him back
into the passageway, and then stood in the doorway watching the flames
as they swiftly fed upon the dry material.

"Dr. Medjora," cried Barnes, "you are committing a crime in setting
this house afire!"

"You are mistaken. This house is mine, and not insured."

"But there are people in it!"

"They will have ample time to escape!"

"But I? How shall I escape?"

"I do not intend that you shall escape."

"Do you mean to murder me?"

"Have patience and you will see. There, I guess that fire will not be
easily extinguished." Then to the amazement of young Barnes the Doctor
stepped back into the passageway, and closed and locked the door. Thus
they were in total darkness, in a small passageway having no exit save
the doors at each end, both of which were locked. Already the fire
could be heard roaring, and bright gleams of light appeared through
the chinks in the oak door. At this moment voices were heard in the
next room. The Doctor brushed Barnes to one side and took the place
near the crevice to hear what passed.

"Madam," said the voice of a man evidently a policeman, "where is Dr.
Medjora?"

"Dr. Medjora?" replied the woman. "Why, how should I know?"

"You came here to meet him. It is useless to try to deceive me. We
tracked you to this house, and, what is more, the man himself was seen
to enter just before you did. We only waited long enough to surround
the grounds so that there would be no chance to escape. Now that you
see how useless it is for him to hide, you may as well tell us where
he is, and save time!"

"I know nothing of the man for whom you are seeking. I came here
merely to look over the property, with a view to buying it."

"What, buy this old rookery! That's a likely yarn."

"I should not buy it for the house, but for the beautiful grounds."

"Well, I can't stop to argue with you. If you won't help us, we'll get
along without you. He is in the house. I know that much."

"Sarjent! Sarjent! Git outer this! The house is on fire!" This
announcemen