t night, into that vile quarter. What
could have tempted him?"

"That's what we are all asking. Some unusually powerful motive must
have influenced him, we may be sure, and that I hope we may still
ascertain. It will be the first step towards detecting the authors of
the crime."

"They will be discovered, you think?"

"No efforts will be spared, you may be sure. The means at our disposal
are not very first-rate, perhaps, but we have been promised the
fullest help by the Turkish Minister of Police, and we shall leave no
stone unturned."

"Oh! I do so hope that the villains will be discovered. Is there
anything I can do?"

"Hardly, Mrs. Wilders. But, as you are the only representative of the
family, it would be well perhaps for you to go on board the yacht.
Poor Lord Lydstone's papers and effects should be sealed up. One of us
will accompany you."

"I shall be delighted to be of any use. When shall we start?"

"The sooner the better," said the _attache_, Mr. Loftus by name; and,
leaving the inquiry, the two took boat, and were presently alongside
the _Arcadia_.

They were received by the captain, a fine specimen of a west-country
sailor, a hardy seaman, well schooled in his profession, who had long
commanded a vessel in the Mediterranean trade, and was thus well
qualified to act as sailing-master in the _Arcadia's_ present cruise.

But Captain Trejago was soft-hearted, easily led, especially by any
daughter of Eve, and he had long since succumbed to the fascinations
of Mrs. Wilders's charms. From the day she first trod the deck of the
yacht he had become her humblest, perhaps, but most devoted, admirer
and slave.

They exchanged a few words of sympathy and condolence.

"You have lost a good friend, Captain Trejago," said the lady.

"He was that, ma'am. My lord was one of the finest, noblest men that
ever trod in shoe-leather. And you, ma'am--it must be very terrible
for you."

"Losing him in such a way, it is that which embitters my grief. But
this gentleman"--she turned to Mr. Loftus--"comes from the Embassy to
seal up his lordship's papers."

"Quite right, ma'am. That ought to be done without delay."

"We can go down into the cabin, then?" said Mrs. Wilders.

"Why! surely, ma'am, you ought to know the way. Mr. Hemmings"--this
was the valet--"is not on board, as you know: but I will send the
second steward if you want any help."

Assisted by the steward, Mr. Loftus proceeded in a business-like
man