le facts about the late Mr. Hardy,
whose death occurred last week in Branchville," he said. "The
insurance company that I represent goes through this trifling formality
before paying a claim."

"He certainly was the nicest man," said Mrs. Wilson. "And just as I
was countin' on the money, he has to up and die. I didn't think he was
that kind."

"Did he have many visitors?" Garrison asked, hastening at once to the
items he felt to be important. "I mean, from among the neighbors,
or--anyone else?"

"Well, Charlie Scott come over, that second night and actin' that queer
I didn't know what was the matter. He went off just about nine
o'clock, and I went to bed, and then I heard him come back in half an
hour, while Mr. Hardy was out, and he went again before Mr. Hardy come
in and started off to Branchville to die."

Her method of narrative was puzzling.

"You mean," said Garrison, "that after Mr. Scott had called and gone,
Mr. Hardy went out temporarily, and in his absence Mr. Scott returned
and remained for a time in his room?"

"I didn't git up to see what he wanted, or how long he stayed," said
Mrs. Wilson. "I hate gittin' up when once I'm abed."

"And he went before Mr. Hardy's return?"

"Yes, I stayed awake for that; for although Charlie Scott may be honest
enough, he's inventin' some crazy fiddlede-dee, which has been the
crown of thorns of that dear woman all these----"

"Did they seem to be friends, Mr. Scott and Mr. Hardy?" Garrison
interrupted mildly. "A clever woman, you know, can always tell."

"Ain't you New York men the quick ones to see!" said Mrs. Wilson. "Of
course they was friends. The day he come Mr. Hardy was over to
Charlie's all the livelong afternoon."

"Did Mr. Hardy get very many letters, or anything, through the mail?"

"Well, of course, I offered to go to the post-office, and bring him
everything," said Mrs. Wilson, "but he went himself. So I don't know
what he got, or who it come from. Not that I read anything but the
postals and----"

"Did he get any packages sent by express?"

"Not that come to my house, for little Jimmie Vane would have brought
'em straight to me."

Garrison went directly to the mark around which he had been playing.

"Who delivered his birthday present--the box of cigars?"

"Oh, that was his niece, the very first evenin' he was here--and she
the prettiest girl I ever seen."

"His niece?" echoed Garrison. "Some young lady--who brought them here