his head sank back again against the high back of his chair.

"Enough," said he; "tread softly when you go by the sofa on which
he lies. Will you fill your glass again, sergeant?"

The sergeant declined.

"Not if my watch is to be effective to-night," he smiled, and rose
to depart.

The judge, grown suddenly thoughtful, rapped with his finger-tips
on the table-edge. He had not yet risen to show his visitor out.

"I should like to ask a question," he finally observed, motioning
the other to re-seat himself. "You were not at the inquiry this
afternoon, and may not know that just as Bela and the crowd about
him turned this corner, they ran into a woman leading a small
child, who stopped the whole throng in order to address him. No
one heard what she said; and no one could give any information as
to who she was or in what direction she vanished. But I saw that
woman myself, earlier. She was in this house. She was in this
room. She came as far as that open space just inside the doorway.
I can describe her, and will, if you will consent to look for her.
It is to be a money transaction, sergeant, and if she is found and
no stir made and no talk started among the Force, I will pay all
that you think it right to demand."

"Let me hear her description, your honour." The judge, who had
withdrawn into the shadow, considered for a moment, then said: