g to conceal something?"

"I do not say so. But there was considerable talk about a paper----"

"They will never find any paper or anything else suspicious in
Eleanore's possession," Mary interrupted. "In the first place, there
was no paper of importance enough"--I saw Mr. Gryce's form suddenly
stiffen--"for any one to attempt its abstraction and concealment."

"Can you be sure of that? May not your cousin be acquainted with
something----"

"There was nothing to be acquainted with, Mr. Raymond. We lived the most
methodical and domestic of lives. I cannot understand, for my part, why
so much should be made out of this. My uncle undoubtedly came to his
death by the hand of some intended burglar. That nothing was stolen from
the house is no proof that a burglar never entered it. As for the doors
and windows being locked, will you take the word of an Irish servant
as infallible upon such an important point? I cannot. I believe the
assassin to be one of a gang who make their living by breaking into
houses, and if you cannot honestly agree with me, do try and consider
such an explanation as possible; if not for the sake of the family
credit, why then"--and she turned her face with all its fair beauty upon
mine, eyes, cheeks, mouth all so exquisite and winsome--"why then, for
mine."

Instantly Mr. Gryce turned towards us. "Mr. Raymond, will you be kind
enough to step this way?"

Glad to escape from my present position, I hastily obeyed.

"What has happened?" I asked.

"We propose to take you into our confidence," was the easy response.
"Mr. Raymond, Mr. Fobbs."

I bowed to the man I saw before me, and stood uneasily waiting. Anxious
as I was to know what we really had to fear, I still intuitively shrank
from any communication with one whom I looked upon as a spy.

"A matter of some importance," resumed the detective. "It is not
necessary for me to remind you that it is in confidence, is it?"

"No."

"I thought not. Mr. Fobbs you may proceed."

Instantly the whole appearance of the man Fobbs changed. Assuming an
expression of lofty importance, he laid his large hand outspread upon
his heart and commenced.

"Detailed by Mr. Gryce to watch the movements of Miss Eleanore
Leavenworth, I left this room upon her departure from it, and followed
her and the two servants who conducted her up-stairs to her own
apartment. Once there---"

Mr. Gryce interrupted him. "Once there? where?"

"Her own room, sir."

"Where s