d and saw the Italian part
affectionately from Nella Emden near her father's house.

For some days I prosecuted an unceasing vigil, for already I had
recognised the seriousness of a secret falling into the enemies' hands
which would undoubtedly give them the advantage in the coming struggle.

One afternoon Vera Vallance met me at Waterloo Station, and together we
went down to Richmond, where I showed her the Professor's house, and
together we waited for the coming of Nella. Vera, enthusiastic as ever,
and ingenious at keeping observation, followed the girl, while in fear
of being recognised I went back to London.

Next day she called at New Stone Buildings, smart, neat, and altogether
sweet and winning.

"Well, Mr. Jacox," she said, seating herself by my fire, "I had a
curious experience after I left you yesterday afternoon. Nella went
first by tram to Twickenham, and near the Town Hall there met the young
Italian, who had a companion--Hartmann himself!"

"Hartmann!" I gasped. "Then our suspicions are surely well grounded!"

"Of course they are," she said. "I at once drew back, fearing that our
clever friend of Pont Street should notice me. Fortunately he did not,
therefore I was able to watch and ascertain where they went--to the
house in St. Margaret's where you saw that Italian woman. They
apparently stayed there to tea, for about half-past five the young man
came out and walked in the direction of Richmond Bridge. I, however,
remained behind, and though I waited for hours, until long after dark,
neither Hartmann nor the girl made their reappearance. But at nine a
very remarkable incident occurred."

"What?" I inquired eagerly.

"Three men came along the road in the darkness carrying something. When
they drew near me and turned into the gate of the house, I stood aghast.
Upon their shoulders was a coffin!"

"A coffin!" I echoed, staring at her.

"Yes. And though I waited until midnight, Hartmann did not come forth,
neither did the Professor's daughter. What do you make of it?" she
asked, looking into my eyes.

I admitted that the affair was a mystery, and suggested that we might
ascertain whether Nella had returned to her home.

"Yes," she said. "Go down to Richmond and see."

This I did without delay. I watched the house during that afternoon, and
just at dusk saw the dark-eyed maid-servant emerge to post a letter. I
followed her up the hill to the pillar-box, and by the application of a
couple of ha