that he was upon the right track, and impatiently awaited the return of
the operative who had been sent to the residences of Edwards' relatives.

The detective delegated for that purpose proceeded to the locality to
which he had been directed, where he found a comfortable-looking,
well-kept brick dwelling-house, and upon a metal plate upon the door, he
noticed the name he was in search of. Ascending the steps, he rang the
bell, and shortly afterward was ushered into a handsomely furnished
parlor, where he was greeted by a pleasant-faced lady, who announced
herself as the sister of Mr. Newton Edwards.

"Is Mr. Edwards residing with you?" inquired the detective.

"Not now," answered the lady, "he was here until Saturday last, when he
left, saying that he was going to Milwaukee upon business. I have heard
however, that he was in town on Sunday last, but that I am not sure of."

"Did his wife go with him?" now asked the operative, hoping to obtain an
interview with her, if possible.

"No, sir," replied Mrs. Andrews, with an air of sudden coldness and
reserve, which was not lost upon the watchful man before her. "Mrs.
Edwards left on the same day, in company with her brother, who has taken
her to his home; I do not wish to allude to this matter, but I am afraid
my brother and his wife do not live happily together."

"Have they separated?" asked the detective, in a tone of solicitude.

After a momentary hesitation, the woman replied: "I am inclined to think
they have. Newton has not been himself lately, and has, I am sorry to