oon, when you both can
talk it all over. It is hoped that matters will so clear up as to
necessitate but very brief longer disguise or concealment."

Nothing was said about the recent death of little Benny Dodge, nor was
Nellie's sickness mentioned. To all Dodge's questions concerning his
family, ingenious replies were made.

Food and cots had been provided. Pierre and Paul soon left to acquaint
Mary Dodge with her husband's arrival and to arrange for the morrow's
meeting, promising a speedy return. About midnight they came back and
reported. Pierre remained only a short time, but Paul stayed until
morning, when he left, with caution that William Dodge be sure to keep
concealed until the afternoon's meeting.

By a rear entrance both Laniers passed to their hiding-place in the
basement, under the trapdoor. Soon followed the strange procedure
resulting in the release of these two murderous villains, while their
intended victim, who had confessed, still remains unarraigned behind
prison bars.

* * * * *

Such cumulative perversities of fate bewilder the Laniers. They daily
become more perplexed.

Paul's recital of events at Bombay, preceding his departure for
Calcutta, alarmed and mystified his father, who could suggest no
plausible theory for such ghostly groupings.

It is now sure that the Laniers dare not risk further attempt at removal
of either William or Mary Dodge. They would be suspected. It will be
dangerous longer to remain in Calcutta, with the Dodges liable at any
time to make more startling confessions. There is fear that both Laniers
still are shadowed and may be arrested for one or more offenses. Strange
that no charge was preferred against them for their murderous assaults
on William and Mary Dodge. There could be no doubt in this case, and the
proofs would be overwhelming.

To Pierre Lanier's crafty, well-informed intelligence this phase is most
alarming. While much relieved by failure of the authorities to press
this charge, he feels convinced that such official laches were prompted
by overpowering motives, boding more serious dangers. Large moneyed
interests or the running down of capital offenders, must be the ends
justifying such laxity of official zeal.

There is a strong impulse toward immediate flight, restrained through
fear that their every act is being watched.

Each day the mazes of this labyrinth grow more puzzling.

While Pierre and Paul feel the te