et you guessing
when I have gone--that is, if he suspects me of some immediate step.
But if I go without leading him to feel any very grave suspicion as
to my object in going, we may surprise him before his own stroke is
struck. That, in a word, is our objective."

An hour later the detectives saw Signor Poggi to his boat and then
walked home with Mr. Redmayne. Peter had provender concealed about
his person and presently he explained to his friend that things were
now come to a climax.

"In twenty-four hours I hope we're through with our mysteries and
plots, Albert," he said; "but during that time you've got to obey me
in every particular and so help me to set you free from this
abomination hanging over you. I can trust you; and you must trust me
and Mark here till to-morrow night. You'll soon be at peace again
with your troubles ended."

Albert thanked Ganns and expressed his satisfaction that a
conclusion was in sight.

"I have seen through the glass darkly," he told them. "Indeed I
cannot say that I have seen through the glass at all. I am entirely
mystified and shall be glad indeed to know this horror with which I
am threatened may be removed. Only my absolute trust in you, dear
Peter, has prevented me from becoming distracted."

At the villa Brendon left them and Jenny welcomed her uncle. The
girl begged Mark to come in for a while before returning; but it was
late and Mr. Ganns declared that everybody must retire.

"Look us up early, Mark," he directed. "Albert tells me there are
some old pictures at Como that have got a lot of kick in them. Maybe
we'll all go down the lake for a pleasure party to-morrow, if he
thinks it good."

For a moment Brendon and Jenny stood alone before he departed; and
she whispered to him.

"Something has happened to Doria to-night. He is struck dumb since
his walk with Mr. Ganns."

"Is he at home?"

"Yes; he went to bed many hours ago."

"Avoid him," answered Mark. "Avoid him as far as possible, without
rousing his suspicion. Your torments may be at an end sooner than
you think for."

He departed without more words. But he presented himself early on
the following day. And it was Jenny who first saw him. Then Peter
Ganns joined them.

"How is uncle?" asked Mr. Redmayne's niece, and Albert's friend
declared the old book lover found himself indisposed.

"He kept it up a bit too late last night at the hotel and drank a
little too much white wine," said Peter. "He's all