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This note, so like his sister, so full of her audacities, touched Morton on the quick It was plain that she was irl, and quite ready to take her up and exhibit her a her friends Her use of the word "disease" was intended as a mockery of his theories He knew that she was quite capable of talking over the 'phone precisely as she had written (reserve was not her strong point), and that she had undoubtedly given Viola reason to expect hi concluded on his own account to see her once ood intention, "I will confront Clarke, and try to pluck the heart out of this mystery, but I will keep clear of any personal relation with the girl and her mother," he said, as if in answer to his sister's admonition

It was about five o'clock of the afternoon as he again , as he did so, the dra before--on this side of the brick wall a coay life of a ballrooed colored ht before--took his card and led hilacial reception-rooloohts were not yet on It impressed hie of Siic history he chilled with a pre shadow "What a contrast to the sunlit cabin of the Colorow!" he inwardly exclairiruff voice above inquired: "Who is it? Let o down and see hi perfectly the manner in which Pratt had intercepted his card "The old watch-dog," he exclai the stairs announced the approach of his host, whose sullen face was by noas he entered "Are you Professor Serviss?"

"I am"

The flabby lips curled in scorn "You are one of those scientific gentlemen who know it all, aren't you?"

"I sentformality

Pratt's face darkened "I auests, I hope"

"I have a right to knoho calls, and I intend to protect Miss Laht"