occurred. That many others have not been chronicled is surprising.

"Looking at Esther and Bessie, gratitude for their preservation from
Paul Lanier's murderous knife is blended with grief for the dead servant
and an insistent sense of indirect, personal accounting.

"Selfish, exclusive Randolph tactics always have failed. That our
beloved Esther has not fallen a victim to her father's deliberate
precautions resulted mainly from accidental finding of a juvenile human
estray, without known guardian or antecedents. Even that mysterious
warning was far more availing for fireside defense than my fatherly
solicitude and protecting care. Nothing but a strange, crazed diversion
restrained that blood-stained dagger. But for that, your unerring aim
would have been too late.

"I am now resolved that this insane wretch no longer shall menace human
life. Lanier exposures must abide safe public interests. It now seems
criminally imbecile longer to permit this madman to jeopardize lives of
so many. Even Paul Lanier's own existence demands his detention in a
madhouse."

Sir Donald determines that on the following day he will insist upon
Paul's arrest. Only formal official inquiry as to the death of the
servant prevents him taking the first train for London. This disposed
of, the trip is made upon the following day.

Going to detective headquarters, Sir Donald is admitted to the chief's
room. This man of many shifts is but coldly courteous. He awaits Sir
Donald's explanations without interruptions. The whole tragic affair is
explained, but there is no responsive suggestion.

Sir Donald urges the necessity of Paul's arrest and detention.

The chief is strangely reticent.

Sir Donald looks at him inquiringly, then detects a sneering expression.
Waiting for some response, he is silent for a few moments. Rising with
dignity, Sir Donald moves toward the door. This unfeigned resentment
convinces the chief that there is a mistake. Sir Donald Randolph has
not been playing double. The indignant pathos of that honest face
precludes dissembling. Hastening to apologize for his error, the chief
informs Sir Donald that both Pierre and Paul Lanier are in custody.

"This morning the arrests were made, but without cooeperation of our
agency.

"Paul has been at Northfield. He haunted the shores of the lake. Our
employe sent from London saw Paul lurking in the woods, and followed him
to a steep ravine. Here Paul vanished. The spy waited, scr