ssible, but natural forces of some
nature that we can't yet understand seemed probable. Still I was wrong
to suspect Hilderman, quite wrong. Besides he couldn't possibly have
stolen the dog."

"I'm glad you feel you were wrong there," I said, "because I rather
like the man. I shouldn't care to have to suspect him."

"Don't suspect him, whatever you do," said the oculist earnestly.
"Whatever you do, don't do that. He might be very useful. Make a
friend of him. You'll want all your friends."

He rose and stretched his legs, and I followed suit. We stood for a
moment on the Chemist's Rock and gazed up the river, over the top of
the falls, into the silver and purple symphony of a highland night.
Presently my companion turned and took my arm.

"I've seen all I want to see," he said as he began to lead me down to
the pool again. "They'll wonder what has become of us. And as I've
seen enough for one night, let's get back to the house."

"It's a wonderful view at any time of the day or night," I agreed, and
I sighed as I thought of poor Myra.

"It must be," said Garnesk absently, picking his way across the rocks.
"It must be a magnificent view. I haven't noticed it; you must bring
me here to-morrow."

CHAPTER VIII.

MISTS OF UNCERTAINTY.

When we got back to the house we found Myra and her father--not
unnaturally--wondering what had become of us.

"What have you been doing, and where have you been, and what do you
mean by it?" she asked, playfully. "I wish I could see you. I'm sure
you must be looking very guilty."

Garnesk and I exchanged hurried glances. It was obvious from her
remark that the General had not told her of Sholto's disappearance. I
decided there and then that I would have to tell her the whole truth
myself, and I gave the others a pretty broad hint that we would like
to be left alone. I left the drawing-room and went with them to the
library, and answered the old man's feverish questions as to the
result of our search.

Then I returned to Myra. It was a difficult and unpleasant task that I
had to perform, but I got through it somehow; and, as I expected, Myra
was very distressed about her dog, but not in the least frightened. I
had thought it wiser not to acquaint her with the specialist's
deductions as to the connection between her own affliction and the
theft of Sholto. When I had given her as many particulars as I thought
advisable, the other two rejoined us.

"Can you think of anyo