long time, but at last, finding himself in failing
health and alone, remorse came to him, and the desire for a
reconciliation with his son and daughter-in-law. This change in his
sentiments took place about five years ago. We had been Mr. Murdaugh's
attorneys for ten years or more and he instructed us to institute the
search.

"It was a very difficult one, after the lapse of so long a period of
time. In three years, however, we were able to establish the fact of
Ralph Murdaugh's death, the supposition of his wife's and the fact that
the child had been taken away by the gambler known only as Gentleman
Geoff.

"We were inaugurating a new investigation, when Mr. Murdaugh died very
suddenly. His will, which we had drawn up, directed that a large
reward be offered for trace of his granddaughter, but not through the
medium of the press. The entire search was conducted in a most
discreet manner, I can assure you, and none of your future associates
save the immediate family need know the details of this later episode,
my dear young lady. I refer, of course, to the--ah, adoption.

"In the event of your being found, your late grandfather has made you
his chief beneficiary, but with an absolutely irrevocable condition;
that you make your home with your father's cousin--the niece whom I
mentioned previously--Mrs. Ripley Halstead, and submit to being
educated and trained befitting your station. A generous bequest is
made also to Mrs. Halstead, providing that she agrees to undertake this
charge. I may add that she has been most anxious for the conclusion of
our search, and will welcome you with all her heart. I must
congratulate you, my dear, on your great good fortune."

The erstwhile Billie eyed him steadily.

"Thank you, Mr. North. You were very kind to spend all that time
searching for me, and to have come this long journey to tell me the
truth about myself----"

"Not at all, my dear Miss Murdaugh!" The lawyer beamed. "It was a
matter of business, you know, and I am gratified to have brought it to
a successful conclusion, but aside from that I assure you that I am
delighted to be of service."

"I can't just believe it yet; it seems as if it must be someone else
that all this has happened to." She glanced at the still dumfounded
Jim in an instinctive appeal. "Mr. North, if I really am awake and
this is all true----"

"Yes?" he encouraged her, smiling.

"Then--" her little teeth snapped together, and a col