red by the maid
coming from the cupboard, and it was found that Miss Wragge's clothes
hanging on the hooks were smouldering. The doctor listened attentively,
but made no comment.

"And now can you tell me," he said presently, "what your own feeling
about it is--your general impression?"

"It sounds foolish to say so," replied the soldier, after a moment's
hesitation, "but I feel exactly as I have often felt on active service
in my Indian campaigns: just as if the house and all in it were in a
state of siege; as though a concealed enemy were encamped about us--in
ambush somewhere." He uttered a soft nervous laugh. "As if the next sign
of smoke would precipitate a panic--a dreadful panic."

The picture came before me of the night shadowing the house, and the
twisted pine trees he had described crowding about it, concealing some
powerful enemy; and, glancing at the resolute face and figure of the old
soldier, forced at length to his confession, I understood something of
all he had been through before he sought the assistance of John Silence.

"And tomorrow, unless I am mistaken, is full moon," said the doctor
suddenly, watching the other's face for the effect of his apparently
careless words.

Colonel Wragge gave an uncontrollable start, and his face for the first
time showed unmistakable pallor.

"What in the world---?" he began, his lip quivering.

"Only that I am beginning to see light in this extraordinary affair,"
returned the other calmly, "and, if my theory is correct, each month
when the moon is at the full should witness an increase in the activity
of the phenomena."

"I don't see the connection," Colonel Wragge answered almost savagely,
"but I am bound to say my diary bears you out." He wore the most puzzled
expression I have ever seen upon an honest face, but he abhorred this
additional corroboration of an explanation that perplexed him.

"I confess," he repeated, "I cannot see the connection."

"Why should you?" said the doctor, with his first laugh that evening. He
got up and hung the map upon the wall again. "But I do--because these
things are my special study--and let me add that I have yet to come
across a problem that is not natural, and has not a natural explanation.
It's merely a question of how much one knows--and admits."

Colonel Wragge eyed him with a new and curious respect in his face. But
his feelings were soothed. Moreover, the doctor's laugh and change of
manner came as a relief to