should he?"

"You've read the case?"

"Yes, and thought how little evidence there was against Thorpe. But, I'm
ashamed to say, my own affairs rather blotted the matter out. But if
Julie's concerned, that's another matter. I'll free Thorpe,--and I can
do it, too!"

"Then it's most certainly your duty, for many reasons. Look here, Mr.
Peter, don't let your ideas of duty get over-sentimental regarding your
father."

"Oh, I don't!" Peter waxed impatient. "But I've mulled over the thing to
the very end, and I know, I _know_ father would be happier left to his
delusions. Yes, and mother, too. You see, I've read the book, and
knowing Dad as I do, I read between the lines, and I see how it would be
like stabbing his heart and draining his life blood to stultify that
book. No, Zizi, don't tempt me,--indeed, you can't."

"Well, then, come back to the murder case. Have you any suspect other
than Thorpe?"

"Why, sometimes, I think I have. But it's a serious thing to accuse,
without evidence. Now, I think I can get evidence, but mainly from
Madame Parlato. You see, she has been bribed by a powerful
influence,--she is absolutely under orders from some one, and it is
because of that she is so frightened for fear of exposure. I think in
the ordinary _seance_ with my father, where my spirit--ugh!--appears and
talks guff and rubbish, the medium is more fool than knave. But when the
spirit gives information concerning the murderer,--and wrong
information,--it's criminal work itself, and ought to be shown up."

"Showing up the medium would expose the falsity of your father's book,
even without your reappearance."

"I've thought of that, but there's duty there, too. If I can free Mac
Thorpe from unjust accusations, and incidentally, I'm thinking of
Julie,--it's in all ways my duty to do so,--even if----"

"Even if it makes your father a butt for ridicule."

"Yes, even that. All things are matters of comparison. Thorpe's life, or
even Thorpe's name mustn't be sacrificed to father's feelings. I may
sacrifice my own future, even my own life if I choose, but not that of
another."

"Are you sure Mr. Thorpe is innocent?"

"As sure as shooting! But you must tell me all the details of your
investigations. I've studied the newspaper reports, but I want your
accounts, too. When can you get Wise back here? Send for him at once,
will you? He can't get anything on Blair out there. Blair's life was
blameless. I know it as I know my own.