ffrey's
body has been removed, do you feel that the scene of her demise need
hold the attention of the police any longer?"

"That is a question to put to the superintendent and not to me," was
my deprecatory reply. "The major has issued no orders for the watch
to be taken off, so we men have no choice. I am sorry if it offends
you. Doubtless a few days will end the matter and the keys will be
given into your hand. I suppose you are anxious to move in?"

He cast a glance behind him at his dog, gave a whistle which passed
unheeded, and replied with dignity, if but little heart:

"When a man has passed his seventh decade he is not apt to be so
patient with delay as when he has a prospect of many years before
him. I am anxious to enter my own house, yes; I have much to do
there."

I came very near asking him what, but feared to seem too familiar,
in case he was the cold but upright man he would fain appear, and
too interested and inquiring if he were the whited sepulcher I
secretly considered him. So with a nod a trifle more pronounced
than if I had been unaffected by either hypothesis, I remounted the
steps, carelessly remarking:

"I'll see you again after taking a turn through the house. If I
discover anything--ghost marks or human marks which might be of
interest to you--I'll let you know."

Something like a growl answered me. But whether it came from master
or dog, I did not stop to inquire. I had serious work before me;
very serious, considering that it was to be done on my own
responsibility and without the knowledge of my superiors. But I
was sustained by the thought that no whisper of murder had as yet
been heard abroad or at headquarters, and that consequently I was
interfering in no great case; merely trying to formulate one.

It was necessary, for the success of my plan, that some time should
elapse before I reapproached Mr. Moore. I therefore kept my word to
him and satisfied my own curiosity by taking a fresh tour through the
house. Naturally, in doing this, I visited the library. Here all
was dark. The faint twilight still illuminating the streets failed
to penetrate here. I was obliged to light my lantern.

My first glance was toward the fireplace. Venturesome hands had
been there. Not only had, the fender been drawn out and the grate
set aside, but the huge settle had been wrenched free from the mantel
and dragged into the center of the room. Rather pleased at this
change, for wi