not knowing what the man was
aiming at.

"Mr. Barnes, you brought me into this room saying that you wished to ask
me a question. When I entered and saw this corpse, I knew at once that
your pretended questioning was but a subterfuge. I wondered why you
brought me in here, and whilst thinking it out, I kept silent. So have
you. Very good. All I can make of it is, that this woman having been
murdered, and knowing that I am a physician, you wished an expert
opinion in the case. I wondered how you had discovered that I have a
medical education, and so I asked you the question. Do I make myself
plain?"

"Quite so," said the detective, coldly, and much disappointed. "My reply
must be that I did not know you to be a physician, and that I did bring
you in here to ask a question."

"Indeed! Then what is it?"

"I wish you to tell me who this woman is."

"You overrate my ability. I never saw the woman before. Is there
anything more you wish to say?"

"Nothing."

"Then I will wish you good-morning." With a polite bow, and drawing on
his glove, Mr. Thauret started to leave the room. Mr. Barnes quickly
stepped in front of him, determined that he should not have a chance to
warn Mr. Mitchel. Opening the door, he then let him pass, thus keeping
his eyes on the two others. Mr. Thauret bowed formally to Mr. Mitchel
and passed out. Then the latter followed Mr. Barnes into the presence of
the dead woman. If Mr. Thauret was undisturbed at the sight which met
him, it was not so with Mr. Mitchel. He had scarcely observed what was
before him, than with an ejaculation of horror he stepped closer to the
corpse and exclaimed:

"My God, Mr. Barnes, what does this mean?"

"What does what mean?" said Mr. Barnes, quietly.

The two men stared at one another a few moments, when Mr. Mitchel,
suddenly lowering his eyes said, "I'm a fool," and once more turned to
look at the corpse. Presently he turned and said, with all of his old
time composure:

"You said you wished to ask me a question! What is it?"

"I wish you to tell me who this woman is?"

"Was, I suppose you mean. She was Rose Mitchel."

"Ah! Did you know her?"

"I agreed to answer but one question. I have done so."

"You have admitted that you knew her."

"You will find it difficult to prove that."

"Oh, shall I? I have witnesses. Gentlemen, please come forward." A door
at the farther end of the room opened, and two physicians entered. The
detective continued, "What hav