pered by circumstances, I cannot at present speak with the directness
which is your due, but what I can say, I will. Know, then, that in my
opinion Mr. Clavering did explain himself in an interview with me this
morning. But it was done in so blind a way, it will be necessary for me
to make a few investigations before I shall feel sufficiently sure of
my ground to take you into my confidence. He has given me a possible
clue----"

"Wait," said Mr. Gryce; "does he know this? Was it done intentionally
and with sinister motive, or unconsciously and in plain good faith?"

"In good faith, I should say."

Mr. Gryce remained silent for a moment. "It is very unfortunate you
cannot explain yourself a little more definitely," he said at last. "I
am almost afraid to trust you to make investigations, as you call them,
on your own hook. You are not used to the business, and will lose time,
to say nothing of running upon false scents, and using up your strength
on unprofitable details."

"You should have thought of that when you admitted me into partnership."

"And you absolutely insist upon working this mine alone?"

"Mr. Gryce, the matter stands just here. Mr. Clavering, for all I know,
is a gentleman of untarnished reputation. I am not even aware for what
purpose you set me upon his trail. I only know that in thus following
it I have come upon certain facts that seem worthy of further
investigation."

"Well, well; you know best. But the days are slipping by. Something must
be done, and soon. The public are becoming clamorous."

"I know it, and for that reason I have come to you for such assistance
as you can give me at this stage of the proceedings. You are in
possession of certain facts relating to this man which it concerns me
to know, or your conduct in reference to him has been purposeless. Now,
frankly, will you make me master of those facts: in short, tell me all
you know of Mr. Clavering, without requiring an immediate return of
confidence on my part?"

"That is asking a great deal of a professional detective."

"I know it, and under other circumstances I should hesitate long before
preferring such a request; but as things are, I don't see how I am to
proceed in the matter without some such concession on your part. At all
events----"

"Wait a moment! Is not Mr. Clavering the lover of one of the young
ladies?"

Anxious as I was to preserve the secret of my interest in that
gentleman, I could not prevent the blus