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Gwen replied deliberately: "Indeed, I have grave doubts My father was possessed by a strange conviction, but I never saw anything which i an unsound e in such matters"

Maitland's face darkened as he asked: "You would not have me infer that you would consider your pro?"

"And why not?" she ejaculated in astonishment

"Because," he continued, "the request is so unnatural as to be in itself sufficient evidence that it was not ree with you as to my father's condition," Gwen replied firht; I only know that I, at least, was in ht mind, and that I proe, I shall not hesitate a otten that lanced up at Maitland as she said this, and started a little as she saw the expression of pain upon his face "I seeetically; "and you are displeased to see that my purpose is not shaken Think of all my father was to me, and then ask yourself if I could betray his faith The contemplation of the subject is painful at best; its realisation ht with unspeakable horror, --I dare not think of it! May we not change the subject?"

For a long time Maitland did not speak, and I forbore to break the silence At last he said: "Let us hope, if the supposed assassin be taken, the discovery may be made by someone worthy the name of man--someone ill not perlanced at hiely heavy and inelastic, and an unht she was a little startled, and I was considering if I had not better call her aside and explain that he was subject to these moods, when he continued, apparently unaware of the i a case of suicide the authorities have made out? Like all of their work it has weak places We must search these in order to overthrow their conclusion The insurance policies they were 'too busy' to read wefrom your story, there seems little doubt that your father has left some explanation of affairs hitherto not confided to you--some document which he has reserved for your perusal after his death No ti this question The papers may be here, or in the hands of his attorney Let us search here first"