n my ears a shriek of terror. I knew it was
a woman's voice and I leaped from my hiding place and peeked down the
bank. And there I saw old David and that girl Betty Bean standing
there frightened almost out of their senses. Say, I wasn't long
getting back under cover again, for I knew that if they saw me they
would say for sure that I had rolled that log down the bank on purpose.
I didn't dare to go to the shore on the road so I cut up through the
woods and came out another way. I didn't dare to say a word about it
for fear I might get into trouble. But when young Randall, who is a
chap we all think a lot of, was arrested for the murder of that old man
I couldn't sleep a wink. If that artist fellow tried to kill old David
once he would try again, and put the blame off on some one else. At
last I could stand it no longer and so made up my mind to tell you all
I know. You can judge now, sir, for yourself."

Mr. Westcote was greatly excited at this story, though outwardly he
remained very calm. Twice during the narration he had glanced at the
manuscript lying upon the desk, and once he had reached out his hand as
if to pick it up. For a few seconds he remained silent when the story
was ended. Then he rose to his feet and reached out his hand.

"Dobbins," he began, "I wish to thank you for what you have told me
to-day. You have done a good deed by thus unburdening your mind. Will
you be willing to swear to what you have just told me?"

"Swear! Indeed I will. I'll swear on a dozen Bibles any time and
anywhere."

"That's good," Mr. Westcote replied, as he bade him good-day. "We
shall need you before long, if I'm not much mistaken, so be ready."

Dobbins had scarcely left the office when Lois and Margaret arrived.

"My, how the morning has gone!" Mr. Westcote remarked as he greeted
Lois with a hearty shake of the hand. "I suppose we had better get
down to business at once, as no doubt you wish to go home this
afternoon. I hope you will pardon my sending for you and giving you
all this trouble."

"I do not mind in the least," Lois replied, "for I am sure it has
something to do with the murder, and I am so anxious to learn whether
you have found out anything new."

"Only something this morning, Miss Sinclair, which may be of
considerable value. I trust that we may unearth more in a few days."

"Oh, don't wait for a few days, Mr. Westcote," Lois pleaded. "You must
act at once, this very afternoon, i