ell, then, about this number '14.' Is that real or is it
mythical?"

Justice Higginbotham answered slowly.

"At one time, Professor, it was real enough, but," turning to
Marshall, "When did we last hear of--"

Marshall answered promptly:

"We have not heard of Amos Brown--alive, since 1902."

"But," spoke up Stanislav Vasiliewski, quietly, "have we proof of
his death?"

"That's it," growled McGuire, "We have not. We have not heard of
him alive, nor do we know that he is dead. We know in police
circles that men can disappear for a great many years. We have
received those damnable notes with the number '14.' That's no
proof that he's alive, but--"

Professor Brierly, always impatient at speculation, interrupted.

"Let us start this inquiry at the nearest point. Let us begin with
the known, if possible, and work forward or backward to the
unknown. About which phase of this entire matter are you gentlemen
principally disturbed?"

The eleven old men exchanged glances. Senator Ross spoke.

"Between our reunion last year, which broke up about July tenth,
until fifteen minutes ago, nine of our group died, seven of them
are _said_ to have committed suicide. We have not yet heard from
'14' about the two deaths of which we heard this morning, but
judging from past experiences we will, sooner or later.

"Call this number '14' mythical if you will, Professor, until we
have evidence to the contrary. Nevertheless, seven suicides out of
such a small group is disturbing--to say the least."

"Unusual, at any rate," commented Professor Brierly. "Just what,
if anything, do you suspect?"

"Well, Professor," said Justice Higginbotham, "I, for one, should
like to have indubitable proof that these men really committed
suicide."

Professor Brierly's deeply sunken, penetrating blue eyes swept
around the circle of faces. He nodded:

"Oh, I see. That should be easily determined, certainly with
respect to the last two."

"But," objected Lorenzo Tonti, leaning forward, his swarthy
features etched in lines of earnest thought, "we have it on
competent medical authority that these men committed suicide. What
right have we to question that?"

"We have it on medical authority," tartly interposed Professor
Brierly, "but I am not certain it is competent medical authority.
I have seen too many careless autopsies made and read too many
loosely written reports to have abiding faith in such things."

McCall nodded emphatically.

"Pr