ne resource was left: to warn Mr.

S------ of his peril. This was not so easy a task as might appear. To
make my story believed, I should be obliged to compromise Miss Calhoun,
and Mr. S------'s well-known chivalry, as far as women are concerned,
would make the communication difficult on my part, if not absolutely
impossible. I, however, determined to attempt it, though I could not but
wish I were an older man, with public repute to back me.

Though there was but little in Mr. S------'s public life which I did not
know, I had little or no knowledge of his domestic relations beyond the
fact that he was a widower with one child. I did not even know where he
lived. But inquiry at police headquarters soon settled that, and in half
an hour after leaving the doctor's office I was at his home.

It was a large, old-fashioned dwelling, of comfortable aspect; too
comfortable, I thought, for the shadow of doom, which, in my eyes,
overlay its cheerful front, wide-open doors and windows. How should I
tell my story here! What credence could I expect for a tale so gruesome,
within walls warmed by so much sunshine and joy. None, possibly; but my
story must be told for all that.

Ringing the bell hurriedly, I asked for Mr. S------. He was out of town.
This was my first check. When would he be home? The answer gave me some
hope, though it seemed to increase my difficulties. He would be in the
city by eight, as he had invited a large number of guests to his house
for the evening. Beyond this, I could learn nothing.

Returning immediately to Miss Calhoun, I told her what had occurred,
and tried to impress upon her the necessity I felt of seeing Mr. S------
that night. She surveyed me like a woman in a dream. Twice did I have
to repeat my words before she seemed to take them in; then she turned
hurriedly, and going to a little desk standing in one corner of the
room, drew out a missive, which she brought me. It was an invitation to
this very reception which she had received a week before.

"I will get you one," she whispered. "But don't speak to him, don't tell
him without giving me some warning. I will not be far from you. I think
I will have strength for this final hour."

"God grant that your sacrifice may bear fruit," I said, and left her.

To enter, on such an errand as mine, a brilliantly illuminated house
odoriferous with flowers and palpitating with life and music, would
be hard for any man. It was hard for me. But in the exc