hours, and here he was back in Mount Hope. Decidedly his return, in the
light of his parting with Elizabeth, was somewhat in the nature of an
anticlimax.

They were driven at once to the court-house. There in his office they
found Moxlow with the coroner and North was instantly aware of restraint
in the manner of each as they greeted him, for which he could not
account.

"Sit down, North," said Moxlow, indicating a chair.

"Now what is it?" North spoke pleasantly as he took his seat. "I've been
cursing you two all the way home from Chicago."

"I am sorry you were subjected to any annoyance in the matter, but it
couldn't be helped," said Moxlow.

"I'm getting over my temper," replied North. "Fire away with your
questions!"

The prosecuting attorney glanced at his fellow official.

"You are already acquainted with the particulars of the shocking tragedy
that has occurred here?" said Taylor with ponderous dignity.

"Yes," said North soberly. "And when I think of it, I am more than
willing to help you in your search for the guilty man."

"You knew of the murder before you left town?" remarked Moxlow casually.