happened in the meantime."

"And you don't appear at all put out that they have done so. That is
possibly the most distressing feature of the business. If anything,
you seem rather pleased. Of course, an odd murder or so is to be
expected in the ordinary course of events; but one hardly counts upon
one's intimates being concerned in them. It is disconcerting."

He crossed his legs and pursed up his lips.

"If you don't mind," added he, "now that I have expressed myself,
I'll listen to the details of whatever you have in view."

"There is not a great deal to tell," said Ashton-Kirk. "A man has been
murdered in Christie Place. It happens that I have an interest in the
matter; otherwise I would not think of dipping into it."

Pendleton looked at him reproachfully.

"After all, then," exclaimed he, "you are but a dilettante!
Assassination in the abstract is well enough, but you have a
disposition to shirk practical examples. I have been deceived!"

Christie Place was some distance west and ran off from a much
frequented street. It was notable for the wilderness of sign boards
that flared from each side. The buildings were apparently let out in
floors and each lessee endeavored to outdo his neighbor in proclaiming
his business to the passing public. The lower floors were, for the
most part, occupied by small grocers, dealers in notions, barbers,
confectioners and such like.