prise the great unknown, or learn the truth about
him. Meanwhile you go home, and your work on the case you prefer to
keep to yourself until it is considerably clearer and forwarder than
at present."

"The situation in a nutshell. Keep an open mind. I ask no more than
that."

"I will," answered Brendon. "Already I suspect the explanation that
you have had of Mrs. Doria's sufferings. It is tolerably clear to me
that she knows more than we do, and has some secret of her husband's
that is causing her unhappiness."

"A theory capable of proof. You'll see a good deal of the dame
during the coming week and the time oughtn't to be wasted, if what
you think is true."

On the steamer stood Virgilio Poggi. He was come across the water to
take leave of Mr. Redmayne and see him as far as Varenna. The three
men departed presently, leaving Mark, Jenny and her husband
together. At Varenna, Virgilio also took his leave. He was not
content with embracing Albert but clasped Mr. Ganns also in an
affectionate farewell.

"We are great men, all three of us," said Signor Poggi, "and
greatness cleaves to greatness. Return as quickly as you can,
Albert, and obey Signor Ganns in everything. May this cloud be
quickly lifted from your life. Meantime you both have my prayers."

Albert translated the speech for Peter's benefit; then the train
moved forward and Virgilio took the next boat home again. He sneezed
all the way, for he had accepted a pinch from Peter's snuffbox
ignorant of its effects upon an untrained nose.

CHAPTER XIV

REVOLVER AND PICKAXE

While Brendon entertained no sort of regard for Giuseppe Doria, his
balanced mind allowed him to view the man with impartial justice. He
discounted the fact of the Italian's victory in love, and, because
he knew himself to be an unsuccessful rival, was the more jealous
that disappointment should not create any bias. But Doria had failed
to make Jenny a happy wife; he understood that well enough, and he
could not forget that some future advantage to himself might accrue
from this circumstance. The girl's attitude had changed; he was not
blind and could not fail to note it. For the present, however, he
smothered his own interests and strove with all his strength to
advance a solution of the problems before him. He was specially
desirous to furnish important information for Peter Ganns on his
return.

He did what his judgment indicated but failed to find sufficient
reasons for l