sent time.

"Travelled considerably in 1860; part of the time was with
----, of Munich; also in party of Vandervorts from New York; went
as far east as Cairo. Went to America in 1875 alone, but at end of
three months returned on account of mother's illness. Nothing is known
of his movements while in America.

"From servants learn that he was always a favorite from a boy. More
recently has become somewhat taciturn. Toward last of his stay watched
the post carefully, especially foreign ones. Posted scarcely anything
but newspapers. Has written to Munich. Have seen, from waste-paper
basket, torn envelope directed to Amy Belden, no address. American
correspondents mostly in Boston; two in New York. Names not known, but
supposed to be bankers. Brought home considerable luggage, and fitted
up part of house, as for a lady. This was closed soon afterwards. Left
for America two months since. Has been, I understand, travelling in the
south. Has telegraphed twice to Portland Place. His friends hear from
him but rarely. Letters rec'd recently, posted in New York. One by last
steamer posted in F----, k. Y.

"Business here conducted by ----. In the country, ---- of ---- has
charge of the property.

"BROWN."

The document fell from my hands.

F----, N. Y., was a small town near R----.

"Your friend _is a_ trump," I declared. "He tells me just what I wanted
most to know." And, taking out my book, I made memoranda of the facts
which had most forcibly struck me during my perusal of the communication
before me. "With the aid of what he tells me, I shall ferret out the
mystery of Henry Clavering in a week; see if I do not."

"And how soon," inquired Mr. Gryce, "may I expect to be allowed to take
a hand in the game?"

"As soon as I am reasonably assured I am upon the right tack."

"And what will it take to assure you of that?"

"Not much; a certain point settled, and----"

"Hold on; who knows but what I can do that for you?" And, looking
towards the desk which stood in the corner, Mr. Gryce asked me if I
would be kind enough to open the top drawer and bring him the bits of
partly-burned paper I would find there.

Hastily complying, I brought three or four strips of ragged paper, and
laid them on the table at his side.

"Another result of Fobbs' researches under the coal on the first day of
the inquest," Mr. Gryce abruptly explained. "You thought