"Three hundred and fifty feet," answered Courtney. "I think you were
speaking about a little bother."

"Oh, yes, so I was," agreed Eugene. "Very good of you to remind me
of it. You know, Courtney, Mr. Gamble--who wants to buy some land of
ours--has made the remarkable discovery that we're all here
together. First time in years, I assure you. No matter how necessary
it may be for us to hold a complete family council, one of my
brothers--most unreliable people in the world, I think--is always
missing."

"And when they're all together I suppose you are somewhere else,"
suggested Courtney.

That proposition was so unique that Eugene was forced to spend
profound thought on it.

"Curious, isn't it?" he finally admitted. "A chap becomes so in the
habit of thinking that he is himself always present, wherever he
happens to be, that it's no end starting to reflect that sometimes
he isn't."

"I see," said Courtney, grasping eagerly at the light. "You merely
happen to be all here at the same time, and you think it advisable
to hold a family business meeting because the accident may never
occur again. Sensible idea, Eugene. The east loggia off the second-
floor hall is just the place. Assemble there and I'll send you any
weapons you want."