route than here. He must have called in at one of the stores; a strange
thing for him to do under the circumstances. I retraced my steps all
the way to the front of the chemist's shop, peering into every window
and doorway as I passed along. No one in the least resembling him was
to be seen.

I stood still for a moment, and reflected. Even if he had run at full
speed--a thing most unseemly for him to do--he could not have reached
the corner of Gerrard Street before I had done so. And what should he
run for? He certainly did not wish to avoid me, for he had more to tell
me before reaching home. Perhaps he had turned down Gould Street. At
any rate, there was no use waiting for him. I might as well go home at
once. And I did.

Upon reaching the old familiar spot, I opened the gate passed on up the
steps to the front door, and rang the bell. The door was opened by a
domestic who had not formed part of the establishment in my time, and
who did not know me; but Alice happened to be passing through the hall,
and heard my voice as I inquired for Uncle Richard. Another moment and
she was in my arms. With a strange foreboding at my heart I noticed
that she was in deep mourning. We passed into the dining-room, where
the table was laid for dinner.

"Has Uncle Richard come in?" I asked, as soon as we were alone. "Why
did he run away from me?"

"Who?" exclaimed Alice, with a start; "what do you mean, Willie? Is it
possible you have not heard?"

"Heard what?"