n that a detective's brain reels--but mine did then.

The train began to move--

This discovery, the greatest of all, if I were right, would--

I had no more time to think.

Instinctively, with a quick jump, I made my place good on the rear car.

XXIV

"SHALL I GIVE HIM MY WORD, HARRY?"

I did not go all the way to New York on the train which Mrs. Carew and
the child had taken. I went only as far as Yonkers.

When I reached Doctor Pool's house, I thought it entirely empty. Even
the office seemed closed. But appearances here could not always be
trusted, and I rang the bell with a vigor which must have awakened
echoes in the uninhabited upper stories. I know that it brought the
doctor to the door, and in a state of doubtful amiability. But when he
saw who awaited him, his appearance changed and he welcomed me in with a
smile or what was as nearly like one as his austere nature would permit.

"How now! Want your money? Seems to me you have earned it with
unexpected ease."

"Not such great ease," I replied, as he carefully closed the door and
locked it "I know that I feel as tired as I ever did in my life. The
child is in New York under the guardianship of a woman who is really
fond of her. You can dismiss all care concerning her."

"I see--and who is the woman? Name her."

"You do not trust me, I see."

"I trust no one in business matters."

"This is not a business matter--yet."

"What do you mean?"

"I have not asked for money. I am not going to till I can perfectly
satisfy you that all deception is at an end so far as Mr. Ocumpaugh at
least is concerned."

"Oh, you would play fair, I see."

I was too interested in noting how each of his hands involuntarily
closed on itself, in his relief at not being called upon to part with
some of his hoardings, to answer with aught but a nod.

"You have your reasons for keeping close, of course," he growled as he
led the way toward the basement stairs. "You're not out of the woods, is
that it? Or has the great lady bargained with you?--Um? Um?"

He threw the latter ejaculations back over his shoulder as he descended
to the office. They displeased me, and I made no attempt to reply. In
fact, I had no reply ready. Had I bargained with Mrs. Ocumpaugh? Hardly.
Yet--

"She is handsome enough," the old man broke in sharply, cutting in two
my self-communings. "You're a fellow of some stamina, if you have got at
her secret without making her a promise. So th