replied, "I know you by repute for a man of
integrity. But before I answer your questions will you answer one of
mine?"

"Certainly."

"Then my question is this: Does not your interest cease with the death
of your client?"

"Doctor McMurdoch," said Harley, sternly, "you no doubt believe yourself
to be acting as a friend of this bereaved family. You regard me,
perhaps, as a Paul Pry prompted by idle curiosity. On the contrary, I
find myself in a delicate and embarrassing situation. From Sir Charles's
conversation I had gathered that he entertained certain fears on behalf
of his daughter."

"Indeed," said Doctor McMurdoch.

"If these fears were well grounded, the danger is not removed, but
merely increased by the death of Miss Abingdon's natural protector.
I regret, sir, that I approached you for information, since you have
misjudged my motive. But far from my interest having ceased, it has now
as I see the matter become a sacred duty to learn what it was that Sir
Charles apprehended. This duty, Doctor McMurdoch, I propose to fulfil
with or without your assistance."

"Oh," said Doctor McMurdoch, gloomily, "I'm afraid I've offended you.
But I meant well, Mr. Harley." A faint trace of human emotion showed
itself in his deep voice. "Charley Abingdon and I were students together
in Edinburgh," he explained. "I was mayhap a little strange."

His apology was so evidently sincere that Harley relented at once.
"Please say no more, Doctor McMurdoch," he responded. "I fully
appreciate your feelings in the matter. At such a time a stranger
can only be an intruder; but"--he fixed his keen eyes upon the
physician--"there is more underlying all this than you suspect or could
readily believe. You will live to know that I have spoken the truth."

"I know it now," declared the Scotsman, solemnly. "Abingdon was always
eccentric, but he didn't know the meaning of fear."

"Once that may have been true," replied Harley. "But a great fear was
upon him when he came to me, Doctor McMurdoch, and if it is humanly
possible I am going to discover its cause."

"Go ahead," said Doctor McMurdoch and, turning to the side table, he
poured out two liberal portions of whiskey. "If there's anything I can
do to help, count me at your service. You tell me he had fears about
little Phil?"

"He had," answered Harley, "and it is maddening to think that he died
before he could acquaint me with their nature. But I have hopes that
you can help me in