victim of some mistake, his lovely and ever kindly disposed
daughter, and while the loss was irreparable he would never make it
unendurable by thinking otherwise.

Such was the father's way of looking at the matter, and I own that
it made our duty a trifle hard. But George's mind, when once made
up, was persistent to the point of obstinacy, and while he was yet
talking he led me out of the room and down the hall to the elevator.

"Mr. Slater knows we have something to say, and will manage the
interview before us in the very best manner," he confided to me
now with an encouraging air. "We are to go to the blue reception
room on the parlour floor."

I nodded, and nothing more was said till we entered the place
mentioned. Here we came upon several gentlemen, standing about, of
a more or less professional appearance. This was not very agreeable
to one of my retiring disposition, but a look from George brought
back my courage, and I found myself waiting rather anxiously for the
questions I expected to hear put.

Mr. Slater was there according to his promise, and after introducing
us, briefly stated that we had some evidence to give regarding the
terrible occurrence which had just taken place in the house.

George bowed, and the chief spokesman--I am sure he was a
police-officer of some kind--asked him to tell what it was.

George drew himself up--George is not one of your tall men, but he
makes a very good appearance at times. Then he seemed suddenly to