d
travel the ground again with an open mind and all preconceptions put
behind him.

"To-night, in the train," said Peter, "I shall ask you to give me
your version of the case from the moment that Mrs. Pendean invited
you to take it up--or from earlier still, if you had to do with any
of the people before the catastrophe. I want the whole yarn again
from your angle; and after what I've told you, it may be that, as
you retrace every incident, light may flash that wasn't there
before."

"It is very probable indeed," admitted Mark. Then his generous
nature prompted him to praise the elder.

"You're a big man, Peter Ganns, and you've said things to-day that
no doubt were elementary to you, but mean a lot to me. You've made
me feel mighty small--which I wouldn't own to anybody else; but you
know that much without my telling you. I only differ from you on one
point and that is the sequel. If this thing is ever cleared, you'll
be responsible for clearing it, and I shall see you get the credit."

The other laughed and flung snuff into his purple nostrils.

"Nonsense, nonsense! I'm a back number--almost out of the game
now--virtually retired to take my ease and follow my hobbies. This
is nothing to do with me. I'm only going to watch you."

"A detective's hobby is generally his old business," said Mark, and
Mr. Ganns admitted it. "Literature and crime, nice things to eat and
drink, snuff and acrostics--these serve to fill my leisure and
represent my vices and virtues," he confessed.

"Each has its appointed place in my life; and now I'm adding travel.
I've wanted to see Europe once again before I went into my shell for
good; and to enjoy the society of my dear friend, Albert Redmayne,
visit his home, and hear his bland and childlike wisdom once more.

"The only shadow thrown by a devoted friendship, Brendon, is the
knowledge that it must some day come to an end. And when I say
'good-bye' to the old bookworm I shall know that we are little
likely to meet again. Yet who would deny himself the glory of
friendship, before the menace that it must sooner or later finish? A
close amity and understanding, a discovery of kindred spirits, is
among the most precious experiences within the reach of mankind.
Love, no doubt, proves a more glorious adventure still; but
lightning lurks near the rosy chariot of love, my lad, and we who
win the ineffable gift must not whine if the full price has to be
paid. For me, cool friendship!"