just as the train came rushing in from the West.

My instructions to _Q_ were as follows:

1. To find out on what day, and in whose company, the Misses Leavenworth
arrived at R---- the year before. What their movements had been while
there, and in whose society they were oftenest to be seen. Also the date
of their departure, and such facts as could be gathered in regard to
their habits, etc.

2. Ditto in respect to a Mr. Henry Clavering, fellow-guest and probable
friend of said ladies.

3. Name of individual fulfilling the following requirements: Clergyman,
Methodist, deceased since last December or thereabouts, who in July of
Seventy-five was located in some town not over twenty miles from R----.

4. Also name and present whereabouts of a man at that time in service of
the above.

To say that the interval of time necessary to a proper inquiry into
these matters was passed by me in any reasonable frame of mind, would be
to give myself credit for an equanimity of temper which I unfortunately
do not possess. Never have days seemed so long as the two which
interposed between my return from R---- and the receipt of the following
letter:

"Sir:

"Individuals mentioned arrived in R---- July 3, 1875. Party consisted
of four; the two ladies, their uncle, and the girl named Hannah.
Uncle remained three days, and then left for a short tour through
Massachusetts. Gone two weeks, during which ladies were seen more
or less with the gentleman named between us, but not to an extent
sufficient to excite gossip or occasion remark, when said gentleman
left R---- abruptly, two days after uncle's return. Date July 19. As to
habits of ladies, more or less social. They were always to be seen
at picnics, rides, etc., and in the ballroom. M---- liked best.
E----considered grave, and, towards the last of her stay, moody. It is
remembered now that her manner was always peculiar, and that she was
more or less shunned by her cousin.

However, in the opinion of one girl still to be found at the hotel, she
was the sweetest lady that ever breathed. No particular reason for this
opinion. Uncle, ladies, and servants left R---- for New York, August 7,
1875.

"2. H. C. arrived at the hotel in R----July 6, 1875, in-company with Mr.
and Mrs. Vandervort, friends of the above. Left July 19, two weeks from
day of arrival. Little to be learned in regard to him. Remembered as the
handsome gentleman who was in the party with the L, girls, and that