you complain of, Mr. Deever?" he asked,
enjoying the man's mystification.

But Deever did not reply, except to mutter something about the
interference of the devil in earthly affairs.

Dr. Jarvis, with some effort, recovered some portion of his composure.

"Well, sir," said the superintendent, addressing him, "I suppose that
you have something to say to me."

"I have, sir," replied Jarvis; "and no man could be charged with a more
painful disclosure."

"Speak up."

"I am guilty of the murder of Patrick Deever."

This confession produced no perceptible effect upon Nick, though the
reader cannot have failed to perceive that the great detective had been
working with a conviction of the doctor's innocence.

Of all the persons in the room, Deever exhibited the strongest emotion.
He gasped, sprang to his feet, and then sat down again heavily.

"What do you say to that?" he exclaimed, turning to Nick.

"I am waiting to hear Dr. Jarvis' story," Nick replied.

"Yes," said the superintendent, "let us hear all about it."

Dr. Jarvis tried to speak, but the words would not come. He staggered
and fell half-fainting into a chair.

"I cannot tell it," he said, when he had somewhat revived. "Wait till I
am stronger."

"Perhaps that will not be necessary," said Nick.

"No, no; why should it?" said the prisoner, in a faint voice. "I
confess, and that is the end of it."

"However, we would like to know more fully about this affair," said
Byrnes, and he looked inquiringly at Nick.

"Let me tell the story," said Nick to Jarvis. "If I am right, you have
only to nod. That will do for the present occasion. We are not taking
testimony."

"But how do you know--" Deever began.

The superintendent cut him short.

"Proceed, if you please," said he to Nick, and then he fixed his eyes
upon Dr. Jarvis.

"In the garden of the hospital," Nick began, "about half-past six
o'clock on the evening of Monday last, you had high words with Patrick
Deever, who was working under your direction."

Dr. Jarvis nodded, as Nick paused.

"He was somewhat intoxicated, and his language was very abusive. You
replied in violent reproval, and he started forward, as if about to
attack you."

Again the doctor made a sign of assent.

"You seized a spade--"

"It was in my hand," the doctor interrupted, feebly.

"That is right; correct me whenever I am in error. You raised the spade
and struck Deever upon the head.

"He fell to the ground, an