him, than get anyone he knew and respected into trouble,
the young man made up his mind to tell everything.

"The fact is, I am engaged to Juliet Saxon," he began, hesitatingly.

"I know that. She is the daughter of that absurd Mrs. Octagon, with
the meek husband and the fine opinion of herself."

"Yes. But Juliet is the niece of Miss Loach."

"What!" Jennings sprang from his chair with a look of surprise; "do you
mean to tell me that Mrs. Octagon is Miss Loach's sister."

"I do. They quarrelled many years ago, and have not been friendly for
years. Mrs. Octagon would never go and see her sister, but she did not
forbid her children being friendly. As you may guess, Mrs. Octagon is
much distressed about the murder, but the strange thing is that she
declares this death renders it impossible for me to marry her daughter."

Jennings looked searchingly at his friend. "That is strange. Does she
give no reason?"

"No. But knowing my uncle knew her when she was a girl, I thought I
would ask him what he thought. He told me that he had once been
engaged to Miss Loach, and--"

"Well, go on," said Miles, seeing Cuthbert hesitating.

"There was another lady in the case."

"There usually is," said Jennings dryly. "Well?"

"The other lady's name was Saul--Emilia Saul."

"Oh," Miles sat down again. He had remained standing for a few
moments. "Saul was the name you mentioned in connection with the
coining case of twenty years ago."

Cuthbert nodded, and now, being fully convinced that he badly needed
Jennings' aid, he told all that he had heard from Caranby, and detailed
what his mother had said. Also, he touched on the speech of Mrs.
Octagon, and repeated the warning he had given her. Miles listened
quietly, but made no remark till his friend finished.

"You have told me all you know?" he asked.

"Yes. I want you to help me. Not that I think what I have learned has
anything to do with the case."

"I'm not so sure of that," said Jennings musingly, his eyes on the
carpet. "Mrs. Octagon bases her refusal to allow the marriage on the
fact of the death. However, you have warned her, and she must take the
consequence."

"But, my dear Jennings, you don't think she has anything to do with the
matter. I assure you she is a good, kind woman--"

"With a violent temper, according to your mother," finished Jennings
dryly. "However, don't alarm yourself. I don't think she is guilty."

"I should think not," c