leave it all to you, Colonel Ashley. Father often spoke of you, and he
often said, if ever he had any mystery to clear up, that you were the
only man he would trust. Now that I am alone I must trust you," and she
smiled at the colonel. It was something of her former smile--a look that
had turned many a man's head, some even as settled in life and years as
Colonel Ashley.

"Well, I'll do my best for the sake of you and your father," replied the
detective. "I don't mind saying that I hoped I was done with all mystery
cases, but fate seems to be against me.

"Mind, I am not complaining!" he said quickly, as he saw Viola about to
protest. "It's just my luck. And I can't promise you anything. From what
Mr. Bartlett told me, there seem to be very few suspicious circumstances
connected with the case."

"I realize that," answered Viola. "And that makes it all the stranger.
But tell me, Colonel, haven't you often found that the cases which, at
first, seemed perfectly plain and simple, afterward turned out to be the
most mysterious?"

"Jove, but that's true!" exclaimed the former soldier. "You spoke the
truth then, Miss Viola. My friend Izaak never put a statement more
plainly. And that's the theory I always go on. Now then, let me have
all the facts in your possession. And you too," he added, turning to
Bartlett. "You might remain while Miss Carwell talks to me, and you can
add anything she may forget, while she can do the same in your case. I
suppose you know there is to be a coroner's inquest?" he added to the
girl.

"Yes," she answered. "I have received a subpoena. I think it is well to
have it, for it will show the public how mistaken a verdict arrived at
when all the facts are not known may be. I shall attend."

"I just received a summons," said Bartlett, and he seemed to breathe
more easily.

"Shag--Where's that black boy of mine?" exclaimed the colonel.

"I sent him to the servants' quarters," said Miss Mary Carwell, coming
in just then. "How do you do, Colonel Ashley. I don't know whether you
remember me, but--"

"Indeed I do. And I remember that the last time I dined with you we had
chicken and waffles that--well, the taste lingers yet!" and the colonel
bowed gallantly, which seemed to please Miss Carwell very much indeed.
"So you have looked after Shag, have you?"

"Yes. We have plenty of spare rooms, and I thought you'd want him near
you."

"I want him this moment," said the detective. "If you will be