us of dangers threatening those he loved. Without any plan of
action I caught up the veil presented at London by Uncle Thomas, sped
from my room, hailed a passing cabman, urging him to drive fast to that
hotel. Going at once to the room occupied by Charles Randolph, I
knocked, and was admitted. On the way there I had thought out a mode of
broaching the subject to Charles and of hiding my identity, but when in
his presence this all became blank, and some other things were said. He
promised to go home at once, and I returned to the inn.

"I did not tell Uncle Thomas about this call. He remained at that cabin
all night, the next day, and until the following morning.

"I called at the cabin. Uncle Thomas told me that Paul was in London.
This seemed strange, but he explained that there was an early morning
train from station near the Northfield premises. Paul doubtless came
back, on that train, and reached the room before daylight. That day
neither Paul nor Pierre was seen on the street. My uncle closely
watched the basement room.

"On early morning train of the following day both assistants came from
Northfield and hurried to that old cabin. They explained Paul's assault
on a guard at entrance to the Northfield mansion grounds and the murder
of the sentinel.

"Uncle Thomas acted promptly. He went out and called up a prominent
police official, notifying him to bring help and arrest two desperate
villains.

"The three men waited at the entrance to that old stairway until five
police officials appeared.

"Listening at the basement door, these heard scuffling inside, curses,
and suppressed yells. Then all noises ceased. There was no response to
continued knockings. The door yielded to pressure, and the officials
entered.

"With dirty, blood-stained clothing, hair disheveled, and face begrimed,
froth upon his lips, lay Paul upon the stone floor. Across Paul's breast
was Pierre, pale and motionless.

"At first both were thought dead. It was soon discovered that Pierre had
only swooned. Water was dashed upon his face. He revived and stared
about vacantly. Slowly what had happened dawned upon his mind, but he
seemed stupid, saying nothing.

"Pierre intently gazed at Paul's unconscious form, but looked blank
when questioned by the officials.

[Illustration: "THEN BEHOLDING PIERRE IRONED AND HELPLESS, PAUL BURST
OUT IN A HYSTERICAL LAUGH."]

"After some time Paul showed signs of returning consciousness, slowly
revived,