eared, but
many remain unanswered.

What can be the meaning of these arrests? Why were the Laniers
discharged and William Dodge detained? Could it be possible that the
Laniers procured the arrests, their own being only a blind? Was there
collusion between officials and the Laniers? How account for their
strange acquiescence in this lawless imprisonment? Had all or any of the
three villains confessed? Were the submission of the Laniers to such
long, unwarranted custody and their final discharge in accord with an
arrangement whereby they had charged William Dodge with murder? Upon
what theory did William Dodge submit to continued detention without
arraignment?

These and similar questions were discussed by Sir Donald and Oswald, but
no satisfactory answers could be given.

Oswald said to Sir Donald: "Perhaps your detective employes effected the
arrests upon insufficient evidence, and seeing that there was no
possibility of convicting the Laniers, had them released. This possibly
might account for their part in the farce, but does not throw any light
on the Dodge episode."

Sir Donald scouted such theory, replying: "I have unbounded faith in the
London bureau, and am fully assured that these arrests were neither
planned nor acquiesced in by that office."

After explanations of the reasons for this belief, Oswald felt sure Sir
Donald was right.

Esther is now happy. This fascinating suitor of former years, whom she
had mourned as dead, is alive and more interesting than ever. His
sorrowful experiences and open avowal of all strange conduct encircle
that brow with a romantic halo. How Oswald Langdon has suffered! She is
sure there is not one blamable act in his whole course of conduct. If
Oswald should renew that proposal--well, her ideas have undergone a
change. She will reconsider the whole matter, and--do what
her--well--perhaps--yes, that is so!

All Oswald's former love for Esther Randolph, intensified by pensive
memories and lonely wandering, now pulses anew. He sees in Esther's
changed manners most encouraging incentives to his reviving hopes. He
believes she now would accept a proposal and become his bride.

There has been a noticeable tendency in her talks toward former
associations, with delicately worded hints at changed views, resulting
from more mature knowledge.

But there has been a change in Oswald Langdon. The alchemy worked
capriciously, but the product has been transmuted. That impetuous,
mast