hospital cot would betray his trust. They doubtless were solicitous for
his recovery, that he and the Laniers might be brought to ultimate
justice. What respect could be expected of these for pledges given to
one who had conspired against a helpless orphan? Why should they not
speed the conviction of him whose intrigues were accessory to this
double homicide?

How hard to conceive of better than self!

Neither Sir Donald nor Esther ever thought of punishment for the man
just saved from the grave. Both felt that this poor fellow and his
family were their special wards. All moral taint was covered by the
mantle of sympathetic interest. Sir Donald had concluded that something
must be done in behalf of those at Calcutta. It would not do to write,
as this might in some way lead to inquiry for the absent father. He
would avoid any course of action tending to affect the safety of this
poor fellow with his burden of troubles.

There are persons who cannot do a mean act.

Though at times loth to leave Paris, Sir Donald and Esther will visit
Calcutta. Thereby they may learn all about the Dodge family, and perhaps
render needed assistance.

It has been three days since the hospital visit. Esther has been sick.
When able to sit up, she insists upon his making a call upon their
interesting convalescent and telling him of the proposed trip to India.
Judge of Sir Donald's surprise upon being informed that William Dodge
had been removed from the hospital. At his request a conveyance bore him
away the previous evening, but no one knew where. Not a word had been
said by him giving any clew to his intentions. Nothing was uttered about
Sir Donald or Esther.

This strange conduct greatly mystified Sir Donald. He framed all sorts
of queries as to possible causes. Had their failure to make daily calls
aroused Dodge's suspicion? Was this poor fellow afraid of their
betraying him? Did he think that having procured a full confession, they
had no further interest except his conviction of crime? Had the identity
and whereabouts of William Dodge been discovered? Were his silence and
removal only parts of an adroitly planned detective ruse? Could it be
that the Laniers were at the bottom of this strange move? What if
William Dodge were to be tried for murdering Oswald Langdon and Alice
Webster? Had the Laniers accused him of these crimes? Strange if Paul
were to be tried as principal and the other two as accessories. Possibly
the detectives