ent in a
very suspicious position. You said you could explain how you were able
to identify that woman."

"I will do so. First let me state that I never saw her but once before
in my life. The story is very short. I have been in this city less than
two years. I became engaged to Miss Remsen last winter. About a month
later I received a letter signed Rose Mitchel, which informed me that
the writer could divulge a secret in relation to my family which would
cause Miss Remsen to break with me. A price was named for silence, and a
photograph enclosed that I might be able to recognize the woman, for she
boldly announced that she would call in person for the money. She did
so, and I have never seen her again till to-day."

"Can you prove this story?"

"I will show you the letter and the photograph if you will come with me
to the Garfield Safety Vaults."

"I will go with you at once. Did you pay the money demanded?"

"I did."

"Do you not know that it is suspicious for a man to submit to blackmail?
It tends to prove that he is in the blackmailer's power."

"That is correct. I was in this woman's power."

"That is a serious admission, now that she has been murdered."

"I know it. But here we are at the vaults."

The two men entered the building, and Mr. Mitchel obtained the key to
his compartment. He never took it away from the place, for he thought it
safer in the keeping of the officers of the vaults. Descending into the
great strong room, he took a tin box from his drawer, and then went into
a little private room provided with a table and chairs. Opening the box
he took out several packages which he laid on one side. Amongst these
the detective was amazed to see a red Russia-leather case bound around
with a strap, upon which appeared the name MITCHEL, in gold letters.
Could it be possible that this was the case containing the missing
jewels?

"Ah! Here it is," said Mr. Mitchel. "Here is the photograph." He handed
it to Mr. Barnes, who saw at once that it was the picture of the dead
woman. "And here is the letter. Shall I read it to you?" Mr. Barnes
assented with a nod. His thoughts were mainly upon the red leather case.
Mr. Mitchel read aloud:

"MR. R. MITCHEL,
"DEAR SIR:

"You will be surprised to receive this from one, of whom perhaps
you know little, but who knows much concerning your family. So
much, that were she to tell all she knows, your high-toned
sweeth