accountable,
unreasonable desire to--to inflict something she calls retribution on
this innocent man's head. Oh, it's a positive danger--a positive
danger!"

Professor Bodley peered over his spectacles and grew reminiscent.

"I remember," he said, "a case up the State, where that condition
resulted in a fatal shooting affair."

"Of course," exclaimed Cooley eagerly, glad to grasp at any straw,
"that's just it. It isn't her ridiculous notion about money--or the fact
that she is being sought in marriage by penniless paupers. It's the fear
of violence which prompts us to ask that she be taken care of, and
watched, at least for a time, for her own sake absolutely--for her own
sake."

The inspector's face grew grave.

"Quite so--quite so," he said thoughtfully.

Professor Bodley held up a newspaper clipping.

"Is it really a fact," he demanded, "that Miss Marsh stated that she
intended to contribute a large sum of money to----" He stopped a moment
to consult the clipping and then read on: "An institution for the
development of the psychic self in domestic animals?"

"That's sworn testimony!" exclaimed Mr. Cooley, pointing to the
newspaper.

"It's a positive fact," nodded Dr. Zacharie affirmatively, "she told me
so herself."

"Animal-psychology is decidedly far fetched," laughed the professor. "It
seems to me that the human race has a hard enough time in developing its
own soul."

He threw himself back into his chair convulsed at his own humor.

"Rather good," grinned Cooley, joining in the merriment.

"Of course," went on Dr. Zacharie gravely, "these strange ideas may mean
nothing. But with the delusion of imaginary wrongs a violent mania may
develop. You never can tell where it will lead. A case of this sort
needs close study."

Jimmy nodded approval.

"Just so," he said. "A year or so of rest in the calm seclusion of some
country retreat would do the poor girl so much good. It might work a
complete cure--don't you think so?"

Mr. Cooley gave him a nudge.

"Hush!" whispered the lawyer.

Up to this point the lawyer had followed the proceedings eagerly, highly
gratified at the progress made, but Jimmy's loquaciousness threatened to
spoil everything. Aloud he said:

"Er--these gentlemen will form their own opinions. Whatever is best will
be done. If your niece is, as I fear, hopelessly incompetent, you can
rely on them to--to--take the proper step to prevent any catastrophe."

"Her attitude is certa