ace was hard and resolute, and when
he let his eyes rest on the young men his mouth was firmly set.
Hulton's business acumen and tenacity were known, and it was supposed
that the latter quality had helped him much in the earlier part of his
career. The other man, who sat close by, was the treasurer, Percival.

"To begin with, I want to thank you for the way you gave your
evidence," Hulton said to Featherstone, who had been one of the last to
see Fred Hulton alive.

"I don't know that thanks are needed," Featherstone replied. "I had
promised to tell the truth."

"Just so. The truth, however, strikes different people differently,
and you gave the matter the most favorable look you could. We'll let
it go at that. I suppose you're still convinced my son was in his
usual health and spirits? Mr. Percival is in my confidence, and we can
talk without reserve."

"Yes, sir; I never found him morbid, and he was cheerful when I saw him
late that night."

"In fact, you were surprised when you heard what happened soon after
you left?" Hulton suggested in a quiet voice.

"I was shocked. But, if I catch your meaning, I was puzzled
afterwards, and had better say I see no light yet."

"Is this how you feel about it?" Hulton asked Foster.

"It is," said Foster, noting the man's stern calm, and Hulton turned to
Percival.

"That's my first point! These men knew my son."

Then he looked at Featherstone. "Fred went with you now and then on
hunting and prospecting trips, and that probably led to a certain
intimacy. You say he was never morbid; did you ever find him anxious
or disturbed?"

Featherstone pondered. Fred Hulton, who was younger, had spent a year
or two in Europe before he entered the factory. He had moreover told
Featherstone about some trouble he had got into there, but the latter
could not tell how much his father knew.

"You can talk straight," Hulton resumed. "I guess I won't be shocked."

"Very well. I did find him disturbed once or twice. Perhaps you knew
he had some difficulties in Paris."

"I knew about the girl," Hulton answered grimly. "I found that out not
long since; she was a clever adventuress. But I don't know where Fred
got the money he sent her. Did you lend it him?"

"I lent him some," Featherstone admitted, hesitatingly. "He told me
afterwards she had promised to make no further claim, and I understand
she kept her word."

Hulton turned to the treasurer. "You will see Mr.