upstairs, maybe.''

Pete shook his head.

``No. sir. He's moved away--out of the
house, sir.''

For a brief moment Bertram stared as if he
could not believe what his ears had heard. Then,
step by step, he began to descend the stairs.

``Do you mean--to say--that my brother
--has moved-gone away--_left_--his _home?_''
he demanded.

``Yes, sir.''

Billy gave a low cry.

``But why--why?'' she choked, almost stumbling
headlong down the stairway in her effort
to reach the two men at the bottom. ``Pete,
why did he go?''

There was no answer.

``Pete,''--Bertram's voice was very sharp--
``what is the meaning of this? Do you know
why my brother left his home?''