o see him to-day. He is a cautious man, and he
doesn't advise me one way or the other. But I think he disapproves of
my refusal; in fact, he remarked that a bird in the hand is worth two
in the bush, especially when the whereabouts of the bush is unknown."

"Do you think he will apply to the Court without your sanction?"

"He doesn't want to; but I suppose, if Hurst puts pressure on him, he
will have to. Besides, Hurst, as an interested party, could apply on
his own account, and after my refusal he probably will; at least, that
is Jellicoe's opinion."

"The whole thing is a most astonishing muddle," I said, "especially
when one remembers that your brother had a lawyer to advise him.
Didn't Mr. Jellicoe point out to him how absurd the provisions were?"

"Yes, he did. He tells me that he implored my brother to let him draw
up a will embodying the matter in a reasonable form. But John wouldn't
listen to him. Poor old fellow! he could be very pig-headed when he
chose."

"And is Hurst's proposal still open?"

"No, thanks to my peppery temper. I refused it very definitely, and
sent him off with a flea in his ear. I hope I have not made a false
step; I was quite taken by surprise when Hurst made the proposal and
got rather angry. You remember, my brother was last seen alive at
Hurst's house--but there, I oughtn't to talk like that, and I oughtn't
to pester you with my confounded affairs when you come in for a
friendly chat, though I gave you fair warning, you remember."

"Oh, but you have been highly entertaining. You don't realize what an
interest I take in your case."

Mr. Bellingham laughed somewhat grimly. "My case!" he repeated. "You
speak as if I were some rare and curious sort of criminal lunatic.
However, I'm glad you find me amusing. It's more than I find myself."

"I didn't say amusing; I said interesting. I view you with deep
respect as the central figure of a stirring drama. And I am not the
only person who regards you in that light. Do you remember my speaking
to you of Doctor Thorndyke?"

"Yes, of course I do."

"Well, oddly enough, I met him this afternoon and we had a long talk at
his chambers. I took the liberty of mentioning that I had made your
acquaintance. Did I do wrong?"

"No. Certainly not. Why shouldn't you tell him? Did he remember my
infernal case, as you call it?"

"Perfectly, in all its details. He is quite an enthusiast, you know,
and uncommonly keen to hear h