d stooped from her lofty position to make
use of me and to love me, was in some way linked to the criminal, and
that it would be better for me to remain in ignorance, do as I was
bid, and trust all would come right. I did not reason about it; I only
followed my impulse. I couldn't do otherwise; it isn't my nature. When I
am requested to do anything for a person I love, I cannot refuse."

"And you love Mary Leavenworth; a woman whom you yourself seem to
consider capable of a great crime?"

"Oh, I didn't say that; I don't know as I thought that. She might be in
some way connected with it, without being the actual perpetrator. She
could never be that; she is too dainty."

"Mrs. Belden," I said, "what do you know of Mary Leavenworth which makes
even that supposition possible?"

The white face of the woman before me flushed. "I scarcely know what to
reply," she cried. "It is a long story, and----"

"Never mind the long story," I interrupted. "Let me hear the one vital
reason."

"Well," said she, "it is this; that Mary was in an emergency from which
nothing but her uncle's death could release her."

"Ah, how's that?"

But here we were interrupted by the sound of steps on the porch, and,
looking out, I saw _Q_ entering the house alone. Leaving Mrs. Belden
where she was, I stepped into the hall.

"Well," said I, "what is the matter? Haven't you found the coroner?
Isn't he at home?"

"No, gone away; off in a buggy to look after a man that was found some
ten miles from here, lying in a ditch beside a yoke of oxen." Then, as
he saw my look of relief, for I was glad of this temporary delay, said,
with an expressive wink: "It would take a fellow a long time to go to
him--if he wasn't in a hurry--hours, I think."

"Indeed!" I returned, amused at his manner. "Rough road?"

"Very; no horse I could get could travel it faster than a walk."

"Well," said I, "so much the better for us. Mrs. Belden has a long story
to tell, and----"

"Doesn't wish to be interrupted. I understand."

I nodded and he turned towards the door.

"Have you telegraphed Mr. Gryce?" I asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Do you think he will come?"

"Yes, sir; if he has to hobble on two sticks."

"At what time do you look for him?"

"_You_ will look for him as early as three o'clock. I shall be among the
mountains, ruefully eying my broken-down team." And leisurely donning
his hat he strolled away down the street like one who has the whole day
on his han