ver, adding
that it had now become of the first importance to ascertain the
exact relations existing between the persons under suspicion and the
latest victim of this deadly mechanism.

The major's answer was abrupt. He had been expecting a report for
days. He was expecting one yet. If it came in at any time, night
or day, he was to be immediately notified. Word might be sent him
in an hour, in a minute.

Were his remarks a prophecy? He had hardly ceased speaking when
an officer appeared with a telegram in his hand. This the major
eagerly took and, noting that it was in cipher, read it by means
of the code he carried in his pocket. Translated, it ran thus:

Result of open inquiry in Denver.

Three brothers Pfeiffer; all well thought of, but plain in their
ways and eccentric. One doing business in Denver. Died June,
'97. One perished in Klondike, October, same year; and one, by
name Wallace, died suddenly three months since in Washington.

Nothing further gained by secret inquiry in this place.

Result of open inquiry in Owosso.

A man named Pfeiffer kept a store in Owosso during the time V. M.
attended school there. He was one of three brothers, home Denver,
name Wallace. Simultaneously with V. M.'s leaving school, P.
broke up business and at instigation of his brother William, who
accompanied him, went to the Klondike. No especial relation between
lady and this same P. ever noted. V. M. once heard to laugh at his
awkward ways.

Result of secret inquiry in Owosso.

V. M. very intimate with schoolmate who has since died. Often rode
together; once gone a long time. This was just before V. M. left
school for good. Date same as that on which a marriage occurred in
a town twenty miles distant. Bride, Antoinette Moore; groom, W.
Pfeiffer of Denver; witness, young girl with red hair. Schoolmate
had red hair. Had V. M. a middle initial, and was that initial A?

We all looked at each other; this last question was one none of us
could answer.

"Go for Mr. Jeffrey at once," ordered the major, "and let another
one of you bring Miss Tuttle. No word to either of what has occurred
and no hint of their possible meeting here."

It fell to me to fetch Miss Tuttle. I was glad of this, as it gave
me a few minutes by myself in which to compose my mind and adjust my
thoughts to the new conditions opened up by the amazing facts which
had just come to light. But beyond the fact that Mrs. Jeffrey had
been