Corkey, who is completely devoted to Mrs. Lockwin. What man can now be
found who will support a possible relation of mutual friend in this
singular case?

The thought of Dr. Tarpion comes again and again.

Clearly a lover cannot wait forever. And he must know whether or not
Esther reads the letters. But, of course, she reads them!

"And they comfort her, God bless her!" cries the happy lover. But he
must not wait too long. She needs him. She must be rescued from Chicago.

Why not write to Dr. Tarpion? He is a dear old friend.

He seems very dear, now that Lockwin needs him. The doctor is the
administrator of the estate, if we come to recollect. Certainly!

Now, therefore, let David undertake an interrogatory, and tremblingly
mail it to Dr. Tarpion. To be sure, this is better. Suppose David
Lockwin the unknown monitor, had invited Esther to advertise in a
newspaper, and the advertisement had been left out! Or, suppose he had
suggested a certain signal at her house, or in New York--anywhere! It
would be a chance too great to take. No lover should leave anything to
fortune. Dr. Tarpion will give the information. He shall be the mutual
friend--the go-between to unravel this tangled web of deception.

If David Lockwin shall in future discover himself to Esther, he must have
the aid of a discreet and loving friend. Dr. Tarpion is the man. This
letter will open the way for further disclosures. It is as follows: