at he
is an American who had been living abroad. However, an examination of
the steamship passenger lists for 1898-99 fail to show his name.

"Is well known in his line and is reputed to be wealthy. Is much
disliked by his neighbors and others in the same trade. Even those who
patronize him have an aversion to him; but as he is an authority, and
his stock always contains rarities, they do not take their custom
elsewhere.

"Hume has been under suspicion upon several occasions. But the police
could gather no positive evidence against him, at any time. The
robbery of the Hailesbury gallery at London, when the famous Whistler
portrait of the Duchess of Winterton was cut from its frame, was
traced almost to his door. But the scent died out before they could
clinch the matter, and he escaped. It was believed that the thing
was planned by him and executed by a confederate. Several other
occurrences of like nature, but of less importance, have been laid
against him. But, if he was concerned in them, he was always cunning
enough to hide his tracks.

"He is an habitual drinker, of violent temper, and is reputed to have
a positive genius for discovering raw spots in an acquaintance and
goading him for the sheer joy of seeing him writhe. It is this trait
that causes the general dislike for him in the Christie Place section.

"He is a free liver, spends much money and has a passion for music."

Ashton-Kirk laid down the sheets and threw away his cigar.

"As Fuller remarked, Mr. Hume seems to be a colorful character. And
apparently one that would be likely to lead Mr. Allan Morris a very
lively dance if he had a hold of any sort upon him."

He arose to his feet, a pleased light in his eye, and began walking up
and down the floor.

"It is more than likely that it will prove some trifle that Morris'
fears have lifted to the plane of a tragedy. But, somehow, the parts
of the case seem to fall in a promising manner. I get a sort of
pleasure in anticipating a possible grapple with Mr. David Purtell
Hume."

For a full hour, Ashton-Kirk moved up and down the library, his eyes
half closed, varying expressions appearing and disappearing upon his
face. At length there came a smile of satisfaction and he paused in
his pacing.

"That is probably it," said he. "At any rate it is a very favorable
coincidence. However, I must have more information than the hurried
reports of Burgess and Fuller to be certain. Yes, this promises to be
i