he entrance to the room occupied by Paul and his
father.

"In about two hours this same stooping figure slowly came up the street
and entered the hallway. I was sure that Pierre Lanier had visited
Paul, and was keeping him posted.

"That evening I went down to the boathouse and learned about the finding
of Oswald's hat. The boat had been found. I felt creepy, and that night
retired early.

"Next morning's papers told of the disappearances. In the afternoon I
went over to Paul's room. Both were in, and greeted me with great
apparent pleasure. They wondered why I did not come sooner. After a
while Paul carelessly asked me if I had read any of the morning papers.
Neither he nor his father had been on the street, except for meals. I
told him that there had been considerable in the papers about our mutual
friends. Here were the accounts. I expressed doubt of their correctness,
and carelessly remarked:

"'Guess it's some reporter's fake.

"Paul read, and seemed greatly surprised. His father looked it all over,
and wondered if there were any truth in the reports. They suggested that
if it should turn out true, we must consider well our course of action.
Suspicion might point to me as the one interested in the death of Alice
Webster. My suit recently commenced against her might be construed as
interesting me in having the girl put out of the way.

"I was terribly shocked. They continued to arouse my fears until I was
frantic. Both spoke of this mysterious disappearance as most unfortunate
for me under the circumstances. It seemed to me there was little chance
to escape. Old Pierre Lanier thought I must remain in seclusion until
matters cleared up. It would not do for me to be seen. Perhaps if I kept
out of sight, no one would think of me in connection with this affair.
They advised me to change my room to a certain quarter of the city, and
remain there until Paul procured suitable disguise.

"I was paralyzed with fear, and did as they told me. Going back to my
room, I waited until Paul entered. He came in without knocking. I was
startled by the appearance of a strange man with slouch hat and heavy
brown whiskers. He removed the disguise. I was told to pack my valise
and trunk and get ready to move. A false beard was handed me with some
old clothes. Paul told me to put them on. Giving the name of my new
quarters, and cautioning me to remain there until he called, Paul ran
downstairs and brought up the man who was to remo