covered with blood; but there is no blood mark whatever on the safe.” 

 “Quite right!” I said, and there was a long pause. 

 The first to break the silence was the Doctor. 

 “We shall want a nurse here as soon as possible; and I know the very one to suit. I shall go at once to get her if I can. I must ask that till I return some of you will remain constantly with the patient. It may be necessary to remove him to another room later on; but in the meantime he is best left here. Miss Trelawny, may I take it that either you or Mrs. Grant will remain here—not merely in the room, but close to the patient and watchful of him—till I return?” 

 She bowed in reply, and took a seat beside the sofa. The Doctor gave her some directions as to what she should do in case her father should become conscious before his return. 

 The next to move was Superintendent Dolan, who came close to Sergeant Daw as he said: 

 “I had better return now to the station—unless, of course, you should wish me to remain for a while.” 

 He answered, “Is Johnny Wright still in your division?” 

 “Yes! Would you like him to be with you?”  The other nodded reply. “Then I will send him on to you as soon as can be arranged. He shall then stay with you as long as you wish. I will tell him that he is to take his instructions entirely from you.” 

 The Sergeant accompanied him to the door, saying as he went: 

 “Thank you, sir; you are always thoughtful for men who are working with you. It is a pleasure to me to be with you again. I shall go back to Scotland Yard and report to my chief. Then I shall call at Chatwood’s; and I shall return here as soon as possible. I suppose I may take it, miss, that I may put up here for a day or two, if required. It may be some help, or possibly some comfort to you, if I am about, until we unravel this mystery.” 

 “I shall be very grateful to you.”  He looked keenly at her for a few seconds before he spoke again. 

 “Before I go have I permission to look about your Father’s table and desk? There might be something which would give us a clue—or a lead at all events.”  Her answer was so unequivocal as almost to surprise him. 

 “You have the 

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