on concerning the Warren family
from the papers; but he did not look like a lunatic. On the other hand,
he certainly did not look as one would have expected a brother of
Rodgers Warren's to look. Oddest of all, if he was such a brother, why
had neither Caroline or Stephen mentioned his existence? According to
his story, Graves, the Warren lawyer, had warned the children of his
coming. Caroline had been very reticent concerning her father's will,
the amount of his estate, and the like. And Mrs. Dunn had repeatedly,
though discreetly, endeavored to find out these important details.
Neither hints nor questions had resulted satisfactorily. Was it possible
that this was the reason, this country uncle? If so--well, if so, here
was a Heaven-sent opportunity for a little genteel and perfectly safe
detective work. Mrs. Dunn creakingly crossed the room and spoke.

"Mr. Warren," she said, "I feel guilty in keeping you out there. Won't
you come into the library?"

"Why, thank you, ma'am, I'm all right. Don't you trouble about me. Go
right on with your readin' or sewin' or knittin' or whatever you was
doin' and--"

"I was not reading," replied Mrs. Dunn, with a slight shudder. "Come in,
please. I wish you to."

Captain Elisha folded his paper and put it in his pocket. Entering the
library, he stood quietly waiting.

"Won't you sit down?" asked his impromptu hostess, trying hard to be
gracious.

"Thank you," said the captain. He sank into an armchair and looked
curiously about him.

"So you are the late Mr. Warren's brother?" asked the lady, making her
first lead in the game.

"Yes, ma'am. His older brother. 'Bije was ten year younger'n I am,
Mrs.--er--"

"Dunn. I am an old friend of the family."

"That's good. I'm glad to hear they've got friends. When you're in
sickness or trouble or sorrer, friendship counts for consider'ble. How
are the young folks--Caroline and Stephen--pretty smart, hey?"

"_Smart_? Why, they are intelligent, naturally. I--"

"No, no. I mean are they pretty well?"

"Very well, indeed, considering the shock of their recent bereavement."

"Yes, yes. Of course. And they've moved, too. Movin's an awful job. They
say three movin's are as bad as a fire, but I cal'late I'd rather burn
up a set of carpets than _pull_ 'em up, 'specially if they was insured.
'Tain't half so much strain on your religion. I remember the last time
we took up our carpets at home, Abbie--she's my second cousin, keepin'
hous