y lord's pillow baffles all
conjecture. Application to Mrs. Ferrari may perhaps clear up the
mystery. Her residence in London will be easily discovered at the
Italian Couriers' Office, Golden Square.

'Having arrived at the close of the present report, we have now to draw
your attention to the conclusion which is justified by the results of
our investigation.

'The plain question before our Directors and ourselves appears to be
this: Has the inquiry revealed any extraordinary circumstances which
render the death of Lord Montbarry open to suspicion? The inquiry has
revealed extraordinary circumstances beyond all doubt--such as the
disappearance of Ferrari, the remarkable absence of the customary
establishment of servants in the house, and the mysterious letter which
his lordship asked the doctor to post. But where is the proof that any
one of these circumstances is associated--suspiciously and directly
associated--with the only event which concerns us, the event of Lord
Montbarry's death? In the absence of any such proof, and in the face
of the evidence of two eminent physicians, it is impossible to dispute
the statement on the certificate that his lordship died a natural
death. We are bound, therefore, to report, that there are no valid
grounds for refusing the payment of the sum for which the late Lord
Montbarry's life was assured.

'We shall send these lines to you by the post of to-morrow, December
10; leaving time to receive your further instructions (if any), in
reply to our telegram of this evening announcing the conclusion of the
inquiry.'

CHAPTER IX

'Now, my good creature, whatever you have to say to me, out with it at
once! I don't want to hurry you needlessly; but these are business
hours, and I have other people's affairs to attend to besides yours.'

Addressing Ferrari's wife, with his usual blunt good-humour, in these
terms, Mr. Troy registered the lapse of time by a glance at the watch
on his desk, and then waited to hear what his client had to say to him.

'It's something more, sir, about the letter with the thousand-pound
note,' Mrs. Ferrari began. 'I have found out who sent it to me.'

Mr. Troy started. 'This is news indeed!' he said. 'Who sent you the
letter?'

'Lord Montbarry sent it, sir.'

It was not easy to take Mr. Troy by surprise. But Mrs. Ferrari threw
him completely off his balance. For a while he could only look at her
in silent surprise. 'Nonsense!' he said, as soon