r. Talbot, Mr. Fenton, and a certain able lawyer in town by the name of Harvey, were in close discu

afest repository of secrets to be found in all that region. He had been married three times, and could still count thirteen children around his board, one

t of ill nature. But we did not know Agatha; at least I did not. When she learned that she was rich, she looked at first awestruck and then heart-pierced. Forgetting me, or ignoring me, it makes no matter which, she threw herself into Philemon's arms and wept, while he, poor faithful fellow, looked as distressed as if he had brought news of failure instead of triumphant success. I suppose she thought of her buried children, and what the money would have been to her if they had lived; but she did not speak of them, nor am I quite sure they were in her thoughts when, after the first excitement was over, she drew back and said quietly, but in a tone of strong feeling, to Philemon: 'You meant me a happy surprise, and you must not be disappointed. This is heart money; we will use it to make our townsfolk happy.' I saw him glance at her dress, which was a purple calico. I remember it because of that look and because of the sad smile with which she followed his glance. 'Can we not afford now,' he ventured, 'a little show of luxury, or at least a ribbon or so for this beautiful th

e," was Dr. Talbot's comment to the constable. "Fresh ten-and twenty-dollar bills ar

of her doing so, but she always put me off. And now it seems that she had it dra

ow how her money

e than

ened and a slim young man, wearing spectac

rly inquired

oman died from loss of blood consequent upon a blow given by a small, three-s

were not at fault. Loss of blood, eh

N

ps of his two listeners. "S

ggested the young doctor,

no ears but Philemon's,

t have taken h

ure to find the missing money anywhere in the house. How else account for the resignation with which she evidently m

on had she had strength to struggle. I t

g by the table? How abou

rderer's fingers in

blood on Phile

ed them on

se the dagger against h

to find it somewhere

outside. Crazy men are

present I limit my suspicions of Philemon to the half-unconscious attentions which a man of disor

your ideas until I have been able to form some f

ith sleek dark hair and expressionless features stood before

ton," announced the lat

remarked. "We have work of

sted. But then his countenanc

; all I want now is any additional facts that have come to light since the telegraphic dispatches were sen

oroner Talbot referred him to Mr. Fenton, who immediately proceeded to give him the result of such investigat

here," said he. "May I ask the privilege of going alone?" he added

ght, and you should be a man who understands his business. Go alone, if yo

d, and went out, having made anything but a fav

ourselves," observed Mr. Fenton. "I cannot bear to think of th

such a man? Could he not see the matter d

th folks of such fish-like characteristics. But who is this?" he asked as a

t the sound of the doctor's heavy voice, and came very hesitatingly forward. He

ntrude into such company, but I have something to tell you whic

d the coroner, in a milder tone. He knew Loton well, and

or some money-more money than usually falls into my till. It-it was rather queer, sirs, and I have felt the flutter of it all day. Shall I tell

Crisp, fresh bills, Lo

Fe

n one of the side streets leading up the hill, shifted uneasily betwe

ink of it), when I was suddenly shook awake by Sally herself, who says she hadn't slept a wink for listening to the music and wishing she was a girl again. 'There's a man at the shop door,' cries she. 'He's a-calling of you; go and see what he wants.' I was mad at being wakened. Dreaming is pleasant, spe

ied. 'Who's there a

in,' it said. 'I want to buy something

omething in the impatient rattling of the door which accompanied the words affec

son who had crowded in as soon as the openi

n running. 'Here's money'; and he poked into my hand a bill so stiff that it rattled. 'It's more than enough,

ed. 'You are not Bli

!' while he leaned so hard agai

n the dark, and found him a stale loaf, which I put into hi

might pass for thanks, he stumbled towards the door and rushed hastily out

money?" asked the coroner. "Did

llar bill. But when I came to look at it in the

nd the constable looked at each o

w?" asked the former. "Hav

anybody, but when I heard that Mrs. Webb (God bless her!) was murdered last night for money, I couldn't rest for the weight of this t

to be afforded them by the fresh, crisp bill they saw in his hand. Si

is mysterious customer old? I thought

he had rid himself of the bill, eye

d he, "and yet I'm sure he was old. I nev

And is that all yo

pressive, and

Detective Knapp ma

ame quietly in and closed the door

red for money. Find the