this. For instance"--again he fixed his gaze upon
the gloomy face of the physician--"who is the distinguished Oriental
gentleman with whom Sir Charles had recently become acquainted?"

Doctor McMurdoch's expression remained utterly blank, and he slowly
shook his head. "I haven't an idea in the world," he declared. "A
patient, perhaps?"

"Possibly," said Harley, conscious of some disappointment; "yet from the
way he spoke of him I scarcely think that he was a patient. Surely Sir
Charles, having resided so long in India, numbered several Orientals
among his acquaintances if not among his friends?"

"None ever came to his home," replied Doctor McMurdoch. "He had all the
Anglo-Indian's prejudice against men of colour." He rested his massive
chin in his hand and stared down reflectively at the carpet.

"Then you have no suggestion to offer in regard to this person?"

"None. Did he tell you nothing further about him?"

"Unfortunately, nothing. In the next place, Doctor McMurdoch, are you
aware of any difference of opinion which had arisen latterly between Sir
Charles and his daughter?"

"Difference of opinion!" replied Doctor McMurdoch, raising his brows
ironically. "There would always be difference of opinion between little
Phil and any man who cared for her. But out-and-out quarrel--no!"

Again Harley found himself at a deadlock, and it was with scanty hope
of success that he put his third question to the gloomy Scot. "Was Sir
Charles a friend of Mr. Nicol Brinn?" he asked.

"Nicol Brinn?" echoed the physician. He looked perplexed. "You mean the
American millionaire? I believe they were acquainted. Abingdon knew most
of the extraordinary people in London; and if half one hears is true
Nicol Brinn is as mad as a hatter. But they were not in any sense
friends as far as I know." He was watching Harley curiously. "Why do you
ask that question?"

"I will tell you in a moment," said Harley, rapidly, "but I have one
more question to put to you first. Does the term Fire-Tongue convey
anything to your mind?"

Doctor McMurdoch's eyebrows shot upward most amazingly. "I won't insult
you by supposing that you have chosen such a time for joking," he said,
dourly. "But if your third question surprised me, I must say that your
fourth sounds simply daft."

"It must," agreed Harley, and his manner was almost fierce; "but when
I tell you why I ask these two questions--and I only do so on the
understand ing that my words are to b