then we've been freezing.
If there's a fire in the house, lead us to it."

"I don't think there is," replied Marsh. "Now that you speak of it,
I noticed a damp chill in the place the minute I came in. Nels," he
added, turning to the Swede; "you're a good fellow. I saw a big,
open fireplace in the library. Build a wood fire there and we'll
warm my friends up."

Nels nodded and started off.

"We haven't any time to lose," announced Marsh, turning back to
Morgan. "I expect to find my final evidence in this house, and we've
got to get back to town pretty soon. You fellows can warm up a bit
and then we'll start a systematic search from the garret to the
cellar."

All three then went down to the library where Nels was building the
fire. Tierney loudly voiced his approval as the red and yellow
flames began to creep over the wood. A minute later, however, he was
choking and swearing as the acrid wood smoke rolled out into the
room instead of up the chimney.

"Aye fix him," explained Nels. "Chimney cover to keep out draft,
mebbe." He hurried out of the room.

A few minutes later he returned with a white face and staring eyes.

"You come," he half-whispered, from the doorway. "Aye see
somet'ing."

"What is it?" questioned Marsh.

"Aye don't know--Aye only tenk--come quick!"

"Go ahead," said Marsh, "we'll follow," and with Nels leading the
way they all climbed the stairs. Nels had turned on the electric
lights in the halls. They could now see their way clearly as he
guided them to the attic and across it to an open window which
opened on a wide gutter. They crawled out after him and worked their
way along a short distance to the big, old fashioned, outside stone
chimney from the library fireplace.

"Yust put your hand in--so," directed Nels, making a motion with his
arm.

Marsh reached up and followed the suggestion. Just below the top of
the chimney his fingers came into contact with a human head.

"My God!" he cried. "Here's our man."

"Holy Saints!" gasped Tierney.

Then Morgan asked, "What do you mean?"

"I think we've found Merton's body," replied Marsh. "You'll have to
help me get him out."

With considerable effort, and hindered by the blackness of the
night, Marsh and Morgan climbed the slanting, slate-covered roof and
perched themselves on the broad capstone of the chimney. Slowly they
loosened the wedged in body, gradually drew it out through the top
of the chimney, and passed it down to Tierne