er introducing us,
briefly stated that we had some evidence to give regarding the terrible
occurrence which had just taken place in the house.

George bowed, and the chief spokesman--I am sure he was a police-officer
of some kind--asked him to tell what it was.

George drew himself up--George is not one of your tall men, but he makes
a very good appearance at times. Then he seemed suddenly to collapse.
The sight of their expectation made him feel how flat and childish
his story would sound. I, who had shared his adventure, understood his
embarrassment, but the others were evidently at a loss to do so, for
they glanced askance at each other as he hesitated, and only looked back
when I ventured to say:

"It's the peculiarity of the occurrence which affects my husband. The
thing we saw may mean nothing."

"Let us hear what it was and we will judge."

Then my husband spoke up, and related our little experience. If it did
not create a sensation, it was because these men were well accustomed to
surprises of all kinds.

"Washed his hands--a gentleman--out there in the snow--just after the
alarm was raised here?" repeated one.

"And you saw him come out of this house?" another put in.

"Yes, sir; we noticed him particularly."

"Can you describe him?"

It was Mr. Slater who put this question; he had less control over
himself, and considerable eagerness could be heard in his voice.

"He was a very fine-looking man; unusually tall and unusually striking
both in his dress and appearance. What I could see of his face was bare
of beard, and very expressive. He walked with the swing of an athlete,
and only looked mean and small when he was stooping and dabbling in the
snow."

"His clothes. Describe his clothes." There was an odd sound in Mr.
Slater's voice.

"He wore a silk hat and there was fur on his overcoat. I think the fur
was black."

Mr. Slater stepped back, then moved forward again with a determined air.

"I know the man," said he.

III. THE MAN

"You know the man?"

"I do; or rather, I know a man who answers to this description. He
comes here once in a while. I do not know whether or not he was in the
building to-night, but Clausen can tell you; no one escapes Clausen's
eye."

"His name."

"Brotherson. A very uncommon person in many respects; quite capable
of such an eccentricity, but incapable, I should say, of crime. He's
a gifted talker and so well read that he can hold one's attention f