er from the vessel to the
quay, a violent struggle ensued. Police-constable Janson was hurled
by the prisoner over the edge of the quay into the water, while he,
quick as lightning, made a rush to escape. He fled as far as the
end of the quay, and was making for the draw-bridge, where he would
soon have gained the open road, when his foot caught in a rope,
which threw him with fearful violence over the wharf into the pool.
In falling, he appears to have come into collision with a boat, and
when his body was recovered he was found to be quite dead. The
deceased was a young man of powerful build, and had taken his
passage under the name of James Williams; but no clue has been
obtained at present as to his antecedents. Upon his person was
found a bundle of bank-notes, a sovereign, and some silver, and in
a side-pocket was a miniature portrait of a young lady, of very
beautiful workmanship, set in gold and studded with precious
stones. The police are making searching inquiries, and as it is
thought that this valuable portrait must have been stolen, it is
believed that it will lead to further discoveries.

How Howard got through his work at the office that day, he was at a loss
to know, for nothing remained on his mind for a moment at a time, except
the vague and curious report about the Fatal Chase, and the anticipated
visit of the Doctor with further particulars. No sooner had the clock
struck six, than he sped away from the office, trusting to his legs to
carry him more quickly than the omnibus or car.

Before he had time to ask, "Any news of the Doctor?" a well-known voice
was heard, and the outstretched hand of his old friend grasped his.

"Well, my dear boy, how are you? You see, I need no introductions. Here I
am, quite at home in your family circle."

"And what news, Doctor Brier?"

"A great deal, satisfactory and unsatisfactory. But come and sit down,
and I will tell you the whole story."

The whole story took a long time to tell, but it may be summed up in a few
words.

The unfortunate man, who met his death so violently, was identified as a
person who had once been in the employment of Messrs. Robinson & Co.,
ship-owners. The notes found upon him were traced as notes he had received
in payment of a cheque forged in their name. But no information could be
obtained as to his antecedents, nor the series of events that had brou