."

"The case does not seem particularly difficult, Mr. Brooks, from what
you tell me. Of course I could determine better after a personal
examination."

"Exactly. And if you find no other conditions of an alarming nature, you
think a cure possible?"

"Undoubtedly. When can I see the man?"

Duvall took out his watch. "I requested him to meet me here to-day at
noon," he said. "I did not tell him he was coming for a medical
examination. He might have refused to come. I let him think that you
might be able to recover the diamond ring he thinks has been stolen from
him. I thought it best to humor him. I should have brought him with me,
but he had arranged to go this morning to see his people, who live in
the town. He was to come directly here, after leaving them." He went
over to the window and looked toward the road. "I am surprised that he
is so late. Usually he is punctuality itself."

The doctor rose. "No doubt he will be here very soon," he remarked. "You
can wait here, if you like. I will join you on his arrival. Meanwhile,
as I have some matters to attend to in my office, I beg that you will
excuse me." He opened the door at the rear of the room, which led to his
private office. "When the man arrives, kindly let me know."

Duvall glanced toward the door through which Dr. Hartmann had just
passed, then paused for several moments, listening; then he walked
noiselessly across the room, and paused before the study door. Within
all was quiet. Stooping down, he applied his eye to the keyhole. Dr.
Hartmann sat at a large rosewood desk, busily writing.

With a smile of satisfaction the detective arose, and going to the door
which led to the hall, drew from the lock the key which stood in it, and
then, opening the door slightly, inserted the key in the lock on the
other side of the door. As he did so, he peered out across the hall, and
for a moment the key almost dropped from his fingers. There, facing him,
sat Grace, his wife, whom he had supposed to be safely in Paris. The
sight for a moment completely upset him--he paused, gazing at her with
an expression of incredulity.

Grace rose, and came toward her husband, her face pale, her lips parted.
"Richard," she whispered softly, then became suddenly silent as he
pressed his finger to his lips.

As they stood there thus, facing each other in grave uncertainty, Duvall
heard the sound of a vehicle being driven up the graveled road. He
glanced toward the glass entrance