er come to
reading my own obituary."

"It's more than strong," said Courtney: "it's in strict conformity with
the New York law.

"But, the license," I objected.

"None is required in New York."

I threw up my hands. "You saw the original certificate?" I asked.

"Yes. The lady, herself, had gone out, but had left it with her maid.
And I have not the least doubt of its genuineness."

"Then, we are up to Alderman Patrick McGuire," I said.

"I cabled at noon to Washington asking the Department to obtain,
immediately, full information as to his character and reputation."

"Courtney, you're a wonder," I said.

"I'm glad you approve," he answered. "I thought it well to move at once,
so the inquiry could be in New York early this morning; and, even if it
took the whole day to investigate, the answer should be here by midnight
at the latest."

Just then, there was a knock on the door and a footman entered.

"For His Excellency, the American Ambassador," he said, and handed
Courtney an envelope.

"Here it is, now," he said. "Cosgrove has hurried it to me."

Crossing to my desk he ran a knife under the flap and drew out a
cablegram, glanced at it an instant, then, gave it to me without comment.

It was in cipher, of course; but, below it, Cosgrove had written the
translation. It read:

"Individual named was killed last week by car at Twenty-third Street and
Broadway. Character and reputation only ordinary. Integrity very
doubtful. A professional ward politician."

"So," said I. "Exit the Alderman. It's a crying pity that car didn't
get in its work four months ago."

"Let us be thankful for what it did do, last week."

"One lying mouth stopped," said I.

He nodded. "And only an inferior reputation left to bolster up his
certificate."

I looked again at the copy. "I wonder if that car, by any possibility,
might have hit Witness, John Edwards, too?"

Courtney smiled. "It's dollars to nickels the same blow killed them
both."

"Then, it's my word against hers and the certificate."

"Not exactly. It's her word, her beauty and the certificate against your
word, its corroborating circumstances and her history."

"That sounds logical," said I; "and yet, in fact, if there were nothing
but her word it would still win out for Lotzen. I may not marry the
Princess so long as another woman claims to be my wife."

Courtney frowned. "But, if you prove her a liar by cold facts?"

"It will not su