the ground, and that was not Imogene Dare, but the great
lawyer, Mr. Orcutt.

XXXVIII.

UNEXPECTED WORDS.

It will have blood: they say, blood will have blood.
Stones have been known to move, and trees to speak;
Augurs and understood relations have,
By magot-pies and choughs and rooks, brought forth
The secret'st man of blood.

* * * * *

Foul whisperings are abroad; unnatural deeds
Do breed unnatural troubles; infected minds
To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets. --MACBETH.

"MR. ORCUTT dead?"

"Dying, sir."

"How, when, where?"

"In his own house, sir. He has been struck down by a falling limb."

The District Attorney, who had been roused from his bed to hear these
evil tidings, looked at the perturbed face of the messenger before
him--who was none other than Mr. Byrd--and with difficulty restrained
his emotion.

"I sympathize with your horror and surprise," exclaimed the detective,
respectfully. Then, with a strange mixture of embarrassment and
agitation, added: "It is considered absolutely necessary that you come
to the house. He may yet speak--and--and--you will find Miss Dare
there," he concluded, with a peculiarly hesitating glance and a rapid
movement toward the door.

Mr. Ferris, who, as we know, cherished a strong feeling of friendship
for Mr. Orcutt, stared uneasily at the departing form of the detective.

"What do you say?" he repeated. "Miss Dare there, in Mr. Orcutt's
house?"

The short "Yes," and the celerity with which Mr. Byrd vanished, gave him
the appearance of one anxious to escape further inquiries.

Astonished, as well as greatly distressed, the District Attorney made
speedy preparations for following him, and soon was in the street. He
found it all alive with eager citizens, who, notwithstanding the
lateness of the hour, were rushing hither and thither in search of
particulars concerning this sudden calamity; and upon reaching the house
itself, found it wellnigh surrounded by an agitated throng of neighbors
and friends.

Simply pausing at the gate to cast one glance at the tree and its fallen
limb, he made his way to the front door. It was immediately opened. Dr.
Tredwell, whose face it was a shock to encounter in this place, stood
before him, and farther back a group of such favored friends as had been
allowed to enter the house. S