portion of the room where Bela had taken his stand and finally
fallen. It would have been interesting to note whether the screen
had been replaced before the mysterious door which this most
devoted of servants had protected to his last gasp. Curiosity is
admissible, even in a man, when the cause is really great.

But from the place where he sat there was no getting any possible
view of that part of the wall or of anything connected with it;
and so, with every appearance of satisfaction at being allowed in
the room at all, Sergeant Doolittle from Headquarters, drank the
judge's wine and listened for the judge's commands.

These were slow in coming, and they were unexpected when they
came.

"Sergeant, I have lost a faithful servant under circumstances
which have called an unfortunate attention to my house. I should
like to have this place guarded--carefully guarded, you
understand--from any and all intrusion till I can look about me
and secure protection of my own. May I rely upon the police to do
this, beginning to-night at an early hour? There are loiterers
already at the corner and in front of the two gates. I am not
accustomed to these attentions, and ask to have my fence cleared."

"Two men are already detailed for the job, your honour. I heard
the order given just as I left Headquarters."

The judge showed small satisfaction. Indeed, in his silence there
was the hint of something like displeasure. This surprised
Sergeant Doolittle and led him to attempt to read its cause in his