med not at all discomposed at the danger menacing Doctor
Heath. After we had settled our business, she asked me if I should now
drop the case and let the authorities work it out, or if I would
continue to work independent of her."

"And you said what?" asked Frank.

"I said that circumstances must decide that."

"And she was not disturbed about Heath?"

"Evidently not; she was as cool as myself."

Frank drew a long breath of relief.

"And now, Mr. Lamotte," said the private detective, "what is the next
move?"

"Perfect quiet for the next two or three days; like Miss Wardour, we
will take time to consider. I am going to the big city to-day, Mr.
Belknap, if you need any funds before I return, call on Frank. I shall
be back in two days, and then we will decide upon our next move. Is that
the carriage, Frank?"

It was the carriage, and almost before Mr. Belknap could realize it or
gather together his scattered forces, Mr. Lamotte had shaken hands with
him, nodded to Frank, donned his hat, gathered up his traveling coat,
cane, and gloves, and was on his way to the carriage, followed by a
servant, who carried his small traveling bag.

As may be seen, Mr. Belknap had made his "reports" according to his own
lights, as for instance, giving his first interview with Constance in
brief, on the same day it took place, merely stating that Miss Wardour
requested time to consider; and reserving all that portion concerning
Doctor Heath, until to-day, when he gave that too, in brief, and with
many "mental reservations."

Mr. Belknap was a little bit nonplussed at this sudden journey of Jasper
Lamotte's; he did not like to be so widely separated from his patron,
even for a few days, and especially now; but it was too late to make an
amendment to this state of affairs, so he contented himself with a segar
and Frank's society. Not finding the latter of the best, and being able
to enjoy the former anywhere, he soon took his leave, and drove back to
his hotel, the best in W----, where he went straight to his room,
ordered up a hot brandy, complained of a slight indisposition, and spent
the remainder of the day and the entire evening in and about the hotel,
lounging, smoking, reading, chatting and always visible.

Meantime, Mr. Lamotte, arriving ten minutes early at the W---- depot,
sauntered out among the people swarming about, and waiting the arrival
of the fast express.

There was always a bustle about the W---- depot at this