for it, I'll be glad to do anything I can for you." George Lawrence seemed not to hear me. "Uncle Robert hadn't an enemy in the world, that I know of," he said musingly; "so it must have been a burglar or marauder of some sort." "Very unusual method for a burglar," said I, thinking of the hat-pin. "Would you mind if I looked about a little bit? I'd like to find the other end of that pin." "What pin?" asked Lawrence. "The pin that killed your uncle. The doctors say it was a hat-pin, broken off close to the flesh." "A hat-pin? How awful!" The young man gave a shudder, as if sensitive to gruesome pictures. "Yes," I went on; "and if we could find the head end that broke off, it might be a clue to the murderer." "Oh, yes, I see. Well, certainly, go and look about all you choose. But excuse me from that sort[Pg 58] of thing. I'll get the best detectives, if necessary, but I can't do anything in that way myself." [Pg 58] I readily understood this attitude in one so closely related to the victim of the dreadful deed, and at his permission I determined to search the whole apartment thoroughly. We had been alone during this conversation, as Doctor Masterson had returned to his late patient's room, and the servant, Charlotte, had not reappeared. I went directly to Mr. Pembroke's bedroom, but when there, I hesitated for a moment before addressing Doctor Masterson. And then he spoke first; "I freely confess," he said, "that I owe to Doctor Post the discovery of the truth. I was positive it was not a natural death, but my old eyes failed to detect that tiny speck that gave us the solution. However, that does not give Doctor Post the right to pry into the affairs of the Pembroke household. It is now a case for the Coroner, and no one else has a right to interfere." "I appreciate your attitude, Doctor Masterson," I returned, "but Mr. Lawrence, who is, of course, in authority, has given me permission to search this room, and in fact the whole apartment, for possible clues that may help to solve the mystery." "Humph," grunted the old Doctor, peering at me through
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