, and vehemently added: "But I
couldn't stand the sight; no, I couldn't! I'm an awful coward when it
comes to things like that. Nothing in all the world would induce me
to look at the woman or her room. But I should like--" here both
her dimples came into play though she could not be said exactly to
smile--"just one little look upstairs, where he went poking about so
long without any fear it seems of being interrupted. Ever since I've
read about it I have seen, in my mind, a picture of his wicked figure
sneaking from room to room, tearing open drawers and flinging out the
contents of closets just to find a little money--a little, little money!
I shall not sleep to-night just for wondering how those high up attic
rooms really look."

Who could dream that back of this display of mingled childishness and
audacity there lay hidden purpose, intellect, and a keen knowledge
of human nature. Not the two men who listened to this seemingly
irresponsible chatter. To them she was a child to be humoured and humour
her they did. The dainty feet which had already found their way to that
gloomy staircase were allowed to ascend, followed it is true by those
of the officer who did not dare to smile back at the reporter because of
the brother's watchful and none too conciliatory eye.

At the stair head she paused to look back.

"I don't see those horrible marks which the papers describe as running
all along the lower hall and up these stairs."

"No, Miss Strange; they have gradually been rubbed out, but you will
find some still showing on these upper floors."

"Oh! oh! where? You frighten me--frighten me horribly! But--but--if you
don't mind, I should like to see."

Why should not a man on a tedious job amuse himself? Piloting her over
to the small room in the rear, he pointed down at the boards. She gave
one look and then stepped gingerly in.

"Just look!" she cried; "a whole string of marks going straight from
door to window. They have no shape, have they,--just blotches? I wonder
why one of them is so much larger than the rest?"

This was no new question. It was one which everybody who went into
the room was sure to ask, there was such a difference in the size and
appearance of the mark nearest the window. The reason--well, minds were
divided about that, and no one had a satisfactory theory. The detective
therefore kept discreetly silent.

This did not seem to offend Miss Strange. On the contrary it gave her an
opportunity t