r Indian seaport. But it is apparent that Alice has grown weary
with the strain of recital.

Sir Donald suggests deferring further explanations for half an hour
while he attends to some small errands. Seeing Esther and Charles, he
tells them not to stay in on his account.

Promptly at the appointed time Sir Donald is back for the story's
continuance.

"In about a week after arrival at Bombay Uncle Thomas said:

"'I have kept some things secret for fear of worrying you at a time when
you required rest and quiet. The sea voyage has done you much good, and
you are now strong enough to help me a little in my work. While
traveling through different countries at times I have been engaged in
detective employment. The job now on hand staggers me. I am trailing two
of the most adroit villains that ever committed crime. Embezzlement,
perjury, conspiracy, attempts to kill and murder are some of the
offenses these have committed. Perhaps you have heard their names?
Pierre and Paul Lanier.'

"I gave a scream.

"'Do not be alarmed, little girl! Uncle Tom will take good care of you.'

"Uncle Thomas had arrived in London a few days after the report of
Thames drownings was published. Careful inquiry into all the
circumstances made it clear to him that the Laniers killed both Oswald
Langdon and me. Aided by an assistant, he went to work on the case.

"He and this man shadowed both Laniers and William Dodge at London.
Through this assistant was learned that a young woman, wounded nigh unto
death, had been rescued from the river by four disreputable characters,
and that for weeks she lodged in an old cabin, and only a few days
before left for her home in the city.

"These facts had been related by an old colored woman who nursed the
girl back to life and shielded her from indignities attempted by one of
these brutes.

"Feeling strong assurance that this girl might be his niece, he made
diligent search, going to numerous hotels and other places, but never
stating his purpose nor giving any hint of this settled conviction.

"On the morning of my leaving the inn he learned that a costermonger had
found a young woman, sick and bewildered, who, having lost her way, was
taken by him to a public-house. He learned the man's name and home.
Finding him, the desired information was given. Rapidly driving to the
inn, he entered, and saw my embarrassment. After my hurried departure he
made some careless inquiry about an object of assumed i