e is of an old family, and is engaged to the
daughter of a peer."

"Dr. Cumberly," said Max, "in a case like the present--apart from the
fact that the happiness--pardieu! the life--of one of your own friends
is involved... should you count it a breach of professional etiquette to
divulge the name of that patient?"

It was a disturbing question; a momentous question for a fashionable
physician to be called upon to answer thus suddenly. Dr. Cumberly, who
had resumed his promenade of the carpet, stopped with his back to M.
Max, and stared out of the window into Harley Street.

M. Max, a man of refined susceptibilities, came to his aid,
diplomatically.

"It is perhaps overmuch to ask you," he said. "I can settle the
problem in a more simple manner. Inspector Dunbar will ask you for this
gentleman's name, and you, as witness in the case, cannot refuse to give
it."

"I can refuse until I stand in the witness-box!" replied Cumberly,
turning, a wry smile upon his face.

"With the result," interposed Max, "that the ends of justice might be
defeated, and the wrong man hanged!"

"True," said Cumberly; "I am splitting hairs. It is distinctly a breach
of professional etiquette, nevertheless, and I cannot disguise the fact
from myself. However, since the knowledge will never go any further,
and since tremendous issues are at stake, I will give you the name of my
opium patient. It is Sir Brian Malpas!"

"I am much indebted to you, Dr. Cumberly," said Max; "a thousand
thanks;" but in his eyes there was a far-away look. "Malpas--Malpas!
Where in this case have I met with the name of Malpas?"

"Inspector Dunbar may possibly have mentioned it to you in reference to
the evidence of Mr. John Exel, M. P. Mr. Exel, you may remember"...

"I have it!" cried Max; "Nom d'un nom! I have it! It was from Sir Brian
Malpas that he had parted at the corner of Victoria Street on the night
of the murder, is it not so?"

"Your memory is very good, M. Max!"

"Then Mr. Exel is a personal friend of Sir Brian Malpas?

"Excellent! Kismet aids me still! I come to you hoping that you may
be acquainted with the constitution of Mrs. Leroux, but no! behold
me disappointed in this. Then--morbleu! among your patients I find a
possible client of the opium syndicate!"

"What! Malpas? Good God! I had not thought of that! Of course, he must
retire somewhere from the ken of society to indulge in these opium
orgies"...

"Quite so. I have hopes. Since it