Butwithinandbelowallwasstillasthetomb，andthoughinnowaysreassured，Ideterminedtodescendandhavethesuspenseoveratonce。Ididso，pistolinhandandearsstretchedtotheirutmosttocatchtheslightestrustle，butnosoundcametodisturbme，nordidImeetonthislowerfloorthesignofanyotherpresenceinthehousebutmyown。Passinghastilythroughwhatappearedtobeasortofrudeparlor，Isteppedintothekitchenandtriedoneofthewindows。FindingIcouldeasilyliftitfromtheinside，IdrewmybreathwitheaseforthefirsttimesinceIhadalightedamongthebrokenglassabove，andturningback，deliberatelyopenedthedoorofthekitchenstove，andlookedin。AsIhalfexpected，Ifoundapileofpartlycharredrags，showingwherethewretcheshadburnedtheirprisonclothing，andproceedingfurther，pickedupfromtheashesaringwhichwhetherornottheywereconsciousofhavingattemptedtodestroyinthiswayIcannotsay，butwhichIthankfullyputinmypocketagainstthedayitmightberequiredasproof。
Discerningnothingmoreinthatquarterinvitinginterest，IaskedmyselfifIhadnervetodescendintothecellar。Finallyconcludingthatthatwasmorethancouldbeexpectedfromanymaninmyposition，Igaveonelookoffarewelltothedampanddesolatewallsaboutme，thenwithabreathofreliefjumpedfromthekitchenwindowagainintothelightandairofday。AsIdidsoIcouldswearIheardadoorwithinthatoldhouseswingonitshingesandsoftlyclose。WithathrillIrecognizedthefactthatitcamefromthecellar。
****
MythoughtsontheroadbacktoMelvilleweremanyandconflicting。
Chiefabovethemall，however，rosethecomfortableconclusionthatinthepursuitofonemysteriousaffair，Ihadstumbled，asisoftenthecase，uponthecluetoanotherofyetgreaterimportance，andbysodoinggotastartthatmightyetredoundgreatlytomyadvantage。
FortherewardofferedfortherecaptureoftheSchoenmakerswaslarge，andthepossibilityofmybeingtheonetoputtheauthoritiesupontheirtrack，certainlyappearedafterthisday\'sdevelopements，openatleasttoaveryreasonablehope。AtalleventsIdeterminednottoletthegrassgrowundermyfeettillIhadinformedtheSuperintendentofwhatIhadseenandheardthatdayintheoldhauntofthesetwoescapedconvicts。
ArrivedatthepublichouseinMelville，andlearningthatMr。Blakehadsafelyreturnedthereanhourbefore，IdrewthelandlordtoonesideandaskedwhathecouldtellmeaboutthatoldhouseofthetwonotedrobbersSchoenmaker，Ihadpassedonmywaybackamongthehills。
\"Wa\'alnow，\"repliedhe，\"thisiscurious。HereI\'vejustbeenansweringthegentlemanupstairsaheapofquestionsconcerningthatselfsameoldplace，andnowyoucomealongwithanotherbatchofthem；justasifthatricketyolddenwastheonlyspotofinterestwehadintheseparts。\"
\"Perhapsthatmaybethetruth，\"Ilaughed。\"Justnowwhenthepapersarefulloftheserogues，anythingconcerningthemmustbeofsuperiorinterestofcourse。\"AndIpressedhimagaintogivemeahistoryofthehouseandthetwothieveswhohadinhabitedit。
\"Wa\'al，\"drawledhe\"\'taintmuchweknowaboutthem，yetafterallitmaybeatrifletoomuchfortheirneckssomeday。Timewaswhennobodythoughtespecialillofthembeyondasuspicionorsooftheirbeingsomewhatmeanaboutmoney。Thatwaswhentheykeptaninnthere，butwhentherobberyoftheRutlandbankwassoclearlytracedtothem，morethanonemanaboutherestartedupandsaidashowtheyhadalwayssuspectedthemShoenmakersofbeingvillains，andevenhintedatsomethingworsethanrobbery。Butnothingbeyondthatonerascalityhasyetbeenprovedagainstthem，andforthattheyweresenttojailfortwentyyearsasyouknow。Twomonthsagotheyescaped，andthatisthelastknownofthem。Apreciousset，too，theyare；thefatherbeingonlysomuchthegreaterroguethanthesonasheisyearsolder。\"
\"Andtheinn?Whenwasthatclosed?\"
\"Justaftertheirarrest。\"
\"Has\'ntitbeenopenedsince?\"
\"OnlyoncewhenabraceofdetectivescameupfromTroytoinvestigate，astheycalledit。\"
\"Whohasthekey?\"
\"Ah，that\'smorethanIcantellyou。\"
IdarednotaskhowmyquestionsdifferedfromthoseofMr。Blake，norindeedtouchuponthatpointinanyway。IwaschieflyanxiousnowtoreturntoNewYorkwithoutdelay；sopayingmybillIthankedthelandlord，andwithoutwaitingforthestage，remountedmyhorseandproceededatoncetoPutneywhereIwasfortunateenoughtocatchtheeveningtrain。Byfiveo\'clocknextmorningIwasinNewYorkwhereI
proceededtocarryoutmyprogrammebyhasteningatoncetoheadquartersandreportingmysuspicionsregardingthewhereaboutsoftheSchoenmakers。TheinformationwasreceivedwithinterestandI
hadthesatisfactionofseeingtwomendespatchednorththatverydaywithorderstoprocurethearrestofthetwonotablevillainswhereverfound。
CHAPTERVIII
AWORDOVERHEARD
ThateveningIhadatalkwithFannyovertheareagate。Shecameoutwhenshesawmeapproach，withhereyesstaringandherwholeforminaflutter。
\"O，\"shecried，\"suchthingsasIhaveheardthisday!\"
\"Well，\"saidI，\"what?letmeheartoo。\"Sheputherhandonherheart。\"Ineverwassofrightened，\"whisperedshe，\"IthoughtI
shouldhavefaintedrightaway。Tohearthatelegantladyusesuchawordascrime，——\"
\"Whatelegantlady?\"interruptedI。\"Don\'tbegininthemiddleofyourstory，that\'sagoodgirl；Iwanttohearitall。\"
\"Well，\"saidshe，calmingdownalittle，\"Mrs。Danielshadavisitorto-day，alady。Shewasdressed——\"
\"O，now，\"interruptedIforthesecondtime，\"youcanleavethatout。
Tellmewhathernamewasandletthefol-de-rolsgo。\"
\"Hername?\"exclaimedthegirlwithsomesharpness，\"howshouldIknowhername；shedid\'ntcometoseeme。\"
\"Howdidshelookthen?YousawherIsuppose?\"
\"Andwas\'ntthatwhatIwastellingyou，whenyoustoppedme。Shelookedlikeaqueen，thatshedid；asgrandaladyaseverIsee，inhervelvetdresssweepingoverthefloor，andherdiamondsasbigas——\"
\"Wassheadarkwoman?\"Iasked。
\"Herhairwasblackandsowerehereyes，ifthatiswhatyoumean。\"
\"Andwassheverytallandproudlooking?\"
Thegirlnodded。\"Youknowher?\'whisperedshe。
\"No，\"saidI，\"notexactly；butIthinkIcantellwhosheis。Andsoshecalledto-dayonMrs。Daniels，didshe。\"
\"Yes，butIguesssheknewmasterwouldbehomebeforeshegotaway。\"
\"Come，\"saidI，\"tellmeallaboutit；I\'mgettingimpatient。\"
\"Andain\'tItellingyou?\"saidshe。\"Itwasaboutthreeo\'clockthisafternoon，thetimeIgoupstairstodress，soIjusthangsaboutinthehallabit，neartheparlordoor，andIhearhergossipingwithMrs。Danielsalmostasifshewasanoldfriend，andMrs。Danielsansweringhermightystifflyandasifshewas\'ntgladtoseeheratall。Buttheladydidn\'tseemtomind，butwentontalkingassweetashoney，andwhentheycameout，youwouldhavethoughtshelovedtheoldwomanlikeasistertoseeherlookintoherfaceandsaysomethingaboutknowinghowbusyshewas，butthatitwouldgivehersomuchpleasureifshewouldcomesomedaytoseeherandtalkoveroldtimes。ButMrs。Danielswas\'ntpleasedabitandshowedplainenoughshedid\'ntlikethelady，fineasshewasinherways。Shewasgoingtoanswerhertoo，butjustthenthefrontdooropenedandMr。
Blakewithhissatchelinhishand，cameintothehouse。Andhowhedidstart，tobesure，whenhesawthem，thoughhetriedtosaysomethingperlitewhichshedid\'ntseemtotaketoatall，foraftermutteringsomethingaboutnotexpectingtoseehim，sheputherhandontheknobandwasgoingrightout。ButhestoppedherandtheywentintotheparlortogetherwhileMrs。Danielsstoodstaringafterthemlikeonemad，herhandheldoutwithhisbagandumbrellainit，stiffasastatterintheCentralPark。Shedid\'ntstandsolong，though，butcamerunningdownthehall，asifshewasbewitched。I
wasdreadfulflustered，forthoughIwashidbehindthewallthatjutsouttherebythebackstairs，IwasafraidshewouldseemeandshamemebeforeMr。Blake。Butshepassedrightbyandneverlookedup。
\'Thereissomethingdreadfulmysteriousinthis，\'thoughtI，andI
justmadeupmymindtostaywhereIwastillMr。Blakeandtheladyshouldcomeoutagainfromtheparlor。Idid\'nthavetowaitverylong。Inafewminutesthedooropenedandtheysteppedout，heaheadandshecomingafter。Ithoughtthiswasqueer，heisalwayssodreadfulperliteinhisways，butIthoughtitwasadealqueererwhenIsawhimgoupthefrontstairs，shehurryingafter，lookingI
cannottellyouhow，butawfultroubledandanxious，Ishouldsay。
\"TheywentintothatroomofhishecallshisstudioandthoughIknewitmightcostmemyplaceifIwasfoundout，Icould\'nthelpfollowingandlisteningatthekeyhole。\"
\"Andwhatdidyouhear?\"Iasked，forshepausedtotakebreath。
\"Well，thefirstthingIheardwasacryofpleasurefromher，andthewords，\'Youkeepthatalwaysbeforeyou?Youcannotdislikeme，then，asmuchasyoupertend。\'Idon\'tknowwhatshemeantnorwhathedid，buthesteppedacrosstheroomandIheardhercryoutthistimeasifshewashurtaswellasawfulsurprised；andhetalkedandtalked，andIcould\'ntcatchaword，hespokesolow；andbyandbyshesobbedjustalittle，andIgotscaredandwouldhaverunawaybutshecriedoutwithakindofshriek，\'O，don\'tsayanymore；tothinkthatcrimeshouldcomeintoourfamily，theproudestintheland。Howcouldyou，Holman，howcouldyou。\'Yes，\"thegirlwenton，flushinginherexcitementtillshewasasredasthecherryribbonsinhercap，\"thoseweretheverywordssheused:\'Tothinkthatcrimeshouldcomeintoourfamily!theproudestoneintheland!\'Andshecalledhimbyhisfirstname，andaskedhimhowhecoulddoit。\"
\"AndwhatdidMr。Blakesay\"returnedI，alittletakenbackmyselfatthisresultofmyeffortswithFanny。
\"O，Idid\'ntwaittohear。Idid\'ntwaitforanything。Iffolkswasgoingtotalkaboutsuchthingsasthat，IthoughtIhadbetterbeanywherethanlisteningatthekeyhole。IwentrightupstairsIcantellyou。\"
\"Andwhomhaveyoutoldofwhatyouheardinthehalfdozenhoursthathavegoneby?\"
\"Nobody；howcouldyouthinksomeanofmewhenIpromised，and——\"
Itisnotnecessarytogoanyfurtherintothisportionoftheinterview。
TheCountessDeMiracpossessedtoitsfullestextentthepresentfinelady\'stasteforbric-a-brac。SomuchIhadlearnedinmyinquiriesconcerningher。Rememberingthis，Itooktheboldresolutionofprofitingbythisweaknessofherstogainadmissiontoherpresence，shebeingtheonlyonesharingMr。Blake\'smysterioussecret。
Borrowingavaluableantiquefromafriendofmineatthattimeinthebusiness，Imademyappearancetheverynextdayatherapartments，andsendinginanurgentrequesttoseeMadame，bythetrimnegresswhoansweredmysummons，waitedinsomedoubtforherreply。
Itcamealltoosoon；Madamewasillandcouldseenoone。Iwasnot，however，tobebaffledbyonerebuff。HandingthebasketIheldtothegirl，Iurgedhertotakeitinandshowhermistresswhatitcontained，sayingitwasararearticlewhichmightneveragaincomeherway。
Thegirlcomplied，thoughwithadoubtfulshakeoftheheadwhichwasanythingbutencouraging。Herincredulity，however，musthavebeenspeedilyrebuked，forshealmostimmediatelyreturnedwithoutthebasket，sayingMadamewouldseeme。
Myfirstthoughtsuponenteringthegrandlady\'spresence，wasthatthegirlhadbeenmistaken，forIfoundtheCountesswalkingthefloorinanabstractedway，dryingalettershehadevidentlybutjustcompleted，byshakingittoandfrowithanunsteadyhand；theplacqueIhadbrought，lyingneglectedonthetable。
Butatsightofmyrespectfulformstandingwithbentheadinthedoorway，shehurriedlythrusttheletterintoabookandtookuptheplacque。AsshedidsoImarkedherwellandalmoststartedatthechangeIobservedinhersincethateveningattheAcademy。ItwasnotonlythatshewasdressedinsomesortofloosedishabillethatwasineminentcontrasttothesweepingsilksandsatinsinwhichI
hadhithertobeheldheradorned；orthatshewaslaboringundersomephysicaldisabilitythatrobbedherdarkcheekofthebloomthatwasitschiefestcharm。ThechangeIobservedwentdeeperthanthat；itwasmoreasifalighthadbeenextinguishedinhercountenance。ItwasthesamewomanIhadbeheldstandinglikeaglowingcolumnofwillandstrengthbeforethemelancholyformofMr。Blake，butwiththewillandstrengthgone，andwiththemalltheglow。
\"Shenolongerhopes，\"thoughtI，andalreadyfeltrepaidformytrouble。
\"Thisisaveryprettyarticleyouhavebroughtme，\"saidshewithsomethingoftheunrestrainedloveofartwhichsheundoubtedlypossessed，showingitselfthroughallherlanguor。\"Wherediditcomefrom，andwhatrecommendationshaveyou，toproveitisanhonestsaleyouofferme?\"
\"None，\"returnedI，ignoringwithareassuringsmilethefirstquestion，\"exceptthatIshouldnotbeafraidifallthepoliceinNewYorkknewIwasherewiththisfineplacqueforsale。\"
ShegaveashrugofherproudshoulderthatbespoketheFrenchCountessandsoftlyranherfingerroundtheedgeoftheplacque。
\"Idon\'tneedanythingmoreofthiskind，\"saidshelanguidly；
\"besides，\"andshesetitdownwithafretfulair，\"Iaminnomoodtobuythisafternoon。\"Thenshortly，\"Whatdoyouaskforit?\"
Inamedafabulousprice。
Shestartedandcastmeakeenglance。\"Youhadbettertakeittosomeoneelse；Ihavenomoneytothrowaway。\"
WithahesitatinghandIliftedtheplacquetowardsthebasket。\"I
wouldverymuchliketosellittoyou，\"saidI。\"Perhaps——\"
Justthenalady\'sflutteringvoicerosefromtheroombeyondinquiringfortheCountess，andhurriedlytakingtheplacquefrommyhandwithanimpulsive\"Othere\'sAmy，\"shepassedintotheadjoiningapartment，leavingthedooropenbehindher。
Isawaquickinterchangeofgreetingsbetweenherandafashionablydressedlady，thentheywithdrewtoonesidewiththeornamentIhadbrought，evidentlyconsultinginregardtoitsmerits。Nowwasmytime。Thebookinwhichshehadplacedthelettershehadbeenwritinglayonthetablerightbeforeme，nottwoinchesfrommyhand。Ihadonlytothrowbackthecoverandmycuriositywouldbesatisfied。
Takingadvantageofamomentwhentheirbackswerebothturned，I
pressedopenthebookwithacarefulhand，andwithoneeyeonthemandoneonthesheetbeforeme，managedtoreadthesewords:——
MYDEARESTCECILIA。
IhavetriedinvaintomatchthesampleyousentmeatStewart\'s，Arnold\'sandMcCreery\'s。Ifyoustillinsistuponmakingupthedressinthewayyoupropose，IwillseewhatMadameDudevantcandoforus，thoughIcannotbutadviseyoutoalteryourplansandmakethedarkershadeofvelvetdo。IwenttotheCaryreceptionlastnightandmetLuluChittenden。Shehasactuallygrownold，butwasaslivelyasever。ShecreatedagreatstirinPariswhenshewasthere；butahusbandwhocomeshometwoo\'clockinthemorningwithblearedeyesandemptypockets，isnotconducivetothepreservationofawoman\'sbeauty。HowshemanagestoretainherspiritsIcannotimagine。YouaskmenewsofcousinHolman。I
meethimoccasionallyandhelookswell，buthasgrownintothemostsombremanyoueversaw。Inregardtocertainhopesofwhichyouhavesometimesmademention，letmeassureyoutheyarenolongerpracticable。Hehasdonewhat——
Heretheconversationceasedintheotherroom，theCountessmadeamovementofadvanceandIclosedthebookwithaninwardgroanovermyill-luck。
\"Itisverypretty，\"saidshewithawearyair；\"butasIremarkedbefore，Iamnotinthebuyingmood。Ifyouwilltakehalfyoumention，Imayconsiderthesubject，but——\"
\"Pardonme，Madame，\"Iinterrupted，beinginnowiseanxioustoleavetheplacquebehindme，\"IhavebeenconsideringthematterandIholdtomyoriginalprice。Mr。BlakeofSecondAvenuemaygiveittomeifyoudonot。\"
\"Mr。Blake!\"Sheeyedmesuspiciously。\"Doyouselltohim?\"
\"IselltoanyoneIcan，\"repliedI；\"andashehasanartist\'seyeforsuchthings——\"
Herbrowsknittedandsheturnedaway。\"Idonotwantit；\"saidshe，\"sellittowhomyouplease。\"
Itookuptheplacqueandlefttheroom。
CHAPTERIX
AFEWGOLDENHAIRS
WhenafewdaysfromthatImademyappearancebeforeMr。Gryce，itwastofindhimlookingsomewhatsober。\"ThoseSchoenmakers，\"saidhe，\"aremakingadealoftrouble。Itseemstheyescapedthefellowsupnorthandarenowsomewhereinthiscity，butwhere——\"
Anexpressivegesturefinishedthesentence。
\"Isthatso?\"exclaimedI。\"Thenwearesuretonabthem。Giventimeandapairoflow，restlessGermanthieves，Iwillwageranything，ourhandswillbeuponthembeforethemonthisover。Ionlyhope，whenwedocomeacrossthem，itwillnotbetofindtheirbetterstoomuchmixedupwiththeirdevilishpractices。\"AndIrelatedtohimwhatFannyhadtoldmeafeweveningsbefore。
\"Thecoilistightening，\"saidhe。\"WhattheendwillbeIdon\'tknow。
Crime，saidshe?IwishIknewinwhatblindholeoftheearththatgirlweareafterlieshidden。
Asifinanswertothiswishthedooropenedandoneofourmencameinwithaletterinhishand。\"Ha!\"exclaimedMr。Gryce，afterhehadperusedit，\"lookatthat。\"
Itooktheletterfromhishandandread:
ThedeadbodyofagirlsuchasyoudescribewasfoundintheEastriveroffFiftiethStreetthismorning。Fromappearancehasbeendeadsometime。HavetelegraphedtoPoliceHeadquartersfororders。ShouldyouwishtoseethebodybeforeitisremovedtotheMorgueorotherwisedisturbed，pleasehastentoPier48E。R。
GRAHAM。
\"Come，\"saidI，\"let\'sgoandseeforourselves。Ifitshouldbetheone——\"
\"ThedinnerpartyproposedbyMr。Blakeforto-night，mayhaveitsinterruptions，\"heremarked。
Idonotwishtomakemystoryanylongerthanisnecessary，butI
mustsaythatwheninanhourorsolater，IstoodwithMr。GrycebeforetheunconsciousformofthatpoordrownedgirlIfeltanunusualdegreeofawestealingoverme:therewassomuchmysteryconnectedwiththisaffair，andthepartiesimplicatedwereofsuchstandingandrepute。
IalmostdreadedtoseethecoveringremovedfromherfacelestI
shouldbehold，what?IcouldnothavetoldifIhadtried。
\"Atrimmadebodyenough，\"criedtheofficialinchargeasMr。Gryceliftedanendofthecloththatenvelopedherandthrewitback。
\"Pitythefeaturesarenotbetterpreserved。\"
\"Noneedforustoseethefeatures，\"exclaimedI，pointingtothelocksofgoldenredhairthathungintangledmassesabouther。\"Thehairisenough；sheisnottheone。\"AndIturnedaside，askingmyselfifitwasreliefIfelt。
TomysurpriseMr。Grycedidnotfollow。
\"Tall，thin，whiteface，blackeyes。\"Iheardhimwhispertohimself。
\"Itisapitythefeaturesarenotbetterpreserved。\"
\"But，\"saidI，takinghimbythearm，\"Fannyspokeparticularlyofherhairbeingblack，whilethisgirl\'s——Goodheavens!\"IsuddenlyejaculatedasIlookedagainattheprostrateformbeforeme。\"Yellowhairorblack，thisisthegirlIsawhimspeakingtothatdayinBroomeStreet。Irememberherclothesifnothingmore。\"Andopeningmypocketbook，ItookoutthemorselofclothIhadpluckedthatdayfromtheashbarrel，liftedupthediscoloredragsthathungaboutthebodyandcomparedthetwo。Thepattern，textureandcolorwerethesame。
\"Well，\"saidMr。Gryce，pointingtocertaincontusions，likemarksfromtheblowofsomeheavyinstrumentontheheadandbaredarmsofthegirlbeforeus；\"hewillhavetoanswermeonequestionanyhow，andthatis，whothispoorcreatureiswholiesherethevictimoftreacheryordespair。\"Andturningtotheofficialheaskediftherewereanyothersignsofviolenceonthebody。
Theanswercamedeliberately，\"Yes，shehasevidentlybeenbatteredtodeath。\"
Mr。Gryce\'slipsclosedwithgrimdecision。\"Amostbrutalmurder，\"
saidheandliftinguptheclothwithahandthatvisiblytrembled，hesoftlycoveredherface。
\"Well，\"saidIasweslowlypacedbackupthepier，\"thereisonethingcertain，sheisnottheonewhodisappearedfromMr。Blake\'shouse。\"
\"Iamnotsosureofthat。\"
\"How!\"saidI。\"YoubelievedFannyliedwhenshegavethatdescriptionofthemissinggirluponwhichwehavegonetillnow?\"
Mr。Grycesmiled，andturningback，beckonedtotheofficialbehindus。\"Letmehavethatdescription，\"saidhe，\"whichIdistributedamongtheHarborPolicesomedaysagofortheidentificationofacertaincorpseIwasonthelookoutfor。\"
ThemanopenedhiscoatanddrewoutaprintedpaperwhichatMr。
Gryce\'swordheputintomyhand。Itranasfollows:
Lookoutforthebodyofayounggirl，tall，wellshapedbutthin，offaircomplexionandgoldenhairofapeculiarbrightandbeautifulcolor，andwhenfound，acquaintmeatonce。
G。
\"Idon\'tunderstand，\"beganI。
ButMr。Grycetappingmeonthearmsaidinhismostdeliberatetones，\"Nexttimeyouexaminearoominwhichanythingofamysteriousnaturehasoccurred，lookunderthebureauandifyoufindacombtherewithseverallonggoldenhairstangledinit，beverysurebeforeyoudrawanydefiniteconclusions，thatyourFannysknowwhattheyaretalkingaboutwhentheydeclarethegirlwhousedthatcombhadblackhaironherhead。\"
CHAPTERX
THESECRETOFMR。BLAKE\'SSTUDIO
\"Mr。Blakeisatdinner，sir，withcompany，butIwillcallhimifyousayso。\"
\"No，\"returnedMr。Gryce；\"showusintosomeroomwherewecanbecomfortableandwewillwaittillhehasfinished。\"
Theservantbowed，andsteppingforwarddownthehall，openedthedoorofasmallandcosyroomheavilyhungwithcrimsoncurtains。\"Iwilllethimknowthatyouarehere，\"saidhe，andvanishedtowardsthedining-room。
\"IdoubtifMr。Blakewillenjoythelatterhalfofhisbilloffareasmuchasthefirst，\"saidI，drawinguponeoftheluxuriousarm-chairstothesideofmyprincipal。\"Iwonderifhewillbreakawayfromhisguestsandcomeinhere?\"
\"No；ifIamnotmistakenweshallfindMr。Blakeamanofnerve。Notamuscleofhisfacewillshowthatheisdisturbed。\"
\"Well，\"saidI，\"Idreadit。\"
Mr。Grycelookedaboutonthegorgeouswallsandthericholdfashionedfurniturethatsurroundedhim，andsmiledoneofhisgrimmestsmiles。
\"Well，youmay，\"saidhe。
Thenextinstantaservantstoodinthedoorway，bearingtoourgreatastonishment，atraywellsetwithdecanterandglasses。
\"Mr。Blake\'scompliments，gentlemen，\"saidhe，settingitdownonthetablebeforeus。\"Hehopesyouwillmakeyourselvesathomeandhewillseeyouassoonaspossible。\"
Thehumph!ofMr。Grycewhentheservanthadgonewouldhavedoneyoursoulgood，alsothelookhecastattheprettyDresdenShepherdessonthemantel-piece，asIreachedoutmyhandtowardsthedecanter。
Somehowitmademedrawback。
\"Ithinkwehadbetterleavehiswinealone，\"saidhe。
Andforhalfanhourwesatthere，thewineuntouchedbetweenus，listeningalternatelytothesoundofspeech-makingandlaughterthatcamefromthedining-room，andthesolemntickingoftheclockasitcountedoutthesecondsonthemantel-piece。Thentheguestscameinfromthetable，filingbeforeuspasttheopendoorontheirwaytotheparlors。Theywereallgentlemenofcourse——Mr。Blakeneverinvitedladiestohishouse——andgentlemenofwellknownrepute。Thedinnerhadbeengiveninhonorofacertaincelebratedstatesman，andthecharacterofhisguestswasinkeepingwiththatoftheonethuscomplimented。
Astheywentbyusgailyindulginginthejokesandlightbanterwithwhichsuchmenseasonasocialdinner，IsawMr。Gryce\'sfacegrowsoberbymanyashade；andwheninthemidstofitall，weheardthevoiceofMr。Blakeriseinthatcourteousandmeasuredtoneforwhichitisdistinguished，IsawhimreachforwardandgrasphiscanewithanuneasinessIhadneverseendisplayedbyhimbefore。Butwhensometimelater，theguestshavingdeparted，thedignifiedhostadvancedwithsomeapologytowherewewere，IneverbeheldafirmerlookonMr。Gryce\'sfacethanthatwithwhichheroseandconfrontedhim。Mr。
Blake\'sownhadnotmorecharacterinit。
\"Youhavecalledataratherinauspicioustime，Mr。Gryce，\"saidthelatter，glancingatthecardwhichheheldinhishand。\"Whatmayyourbusinessbe?Somethingtodowithpolitics，Isuppose。\"
Isurveyedthemaninamazement。Wasthisgreatpoliticianstoopingtoactapart，orhadheforgottenourphysiognomiesascompletelyasappeared。
\"Ourbusinessisnotpolitics，\"repliedMr。Gryce；\"butfullyasimportant。MayIrequestthedoorsbeclosed?\"
IthoughtMr。Blakelookedsurprised，butheimmediatelysteppedtothedoorandshutit。Thencomingback，helookedatMr。Grycemorecloselyandachangetookplaceinhismanner。
\"IthinkIhaveseenyoubefore，\"saidhe。
Mr。Grycebowedwithjustthesuspicionofasmile。\"Ihavehadthehonorofconsultingyoubeforeinthisveryhouse，\"observedhe。
Alookoffullrecognitionpassedoverthedignifiedcountenanceofthemanbeforeus。
\"Iremember，\"saidhe，shrugginghisshouldersintheoldway。\"Youareinterestedinsomeservantgirlorotherwhoranawayfromthishouseaweekorsoago。Haveyoufoundher?\"Thiswithnoapparentconcern。
\"Wethinkwehave，\"rejoinedMr。Grycewithsomesolemnity。\"Therivergivesupitspreynowandthen，Mr。Blake。\"
Stillonlythatlookofnaturalsurprise。
\"Indeed!Youdonotmeantosayshehasdrownedherself?Iamsorryforthat，agirlwhohadoncelivedinmyhouse。Whattroublecouldshehavehadtodrivehertosuchanact?\"
Mr。Gryceadvancedastepnearerthegentleman。
\"Thatiswhatwehavecomeheretolearn，\"saidhewithadeliberationthatyetwasnotlackingintherespectduetoamansouniversallyesteemedasMr。Blake。\"Youwhohaveseenhersolatelyoughttobeabletothrowsomelightuponthesubjectatleast。\"
\"Mr——\"heagainglancedatthecard，\"Mr。Gryce，——excuseme——I
believeItoldyouwhenyouwereherebeforethatIhadnoremembranceofthisgirlatall。ThatifsuchapersonwasinmyhouseIdidnotknowit，andthatallquestionsputtomeonthatsubjectwouldbesomuchlaborthrownaway。\"
Mr。Grycebowed。\"Iremember，\"saidhe。\"Iwasnotalludingtoanyconnectionyoumayhavehadwiththegirlinthishouse，buttotheinterviewyouwereseentohavewithheronthecornerofBroomeStreetsomedaysago。Youhadsuchaninterview，didyounot?\"
Aflush，deepasitwassudden，sweptoverMr。Blake\'susuallyunmovedcheek。\"Youaretransgressingsir，\"saidheandstopped。Thoughamanofintensepersonalpride，hehadbutlittleofthatqualitycalledtemper，orperhapsifhehad，thoughtitunwisetodisplayitonthisoccasion。\"Isawandspoketoagirlonthecornerofthatstreetsomedaysago，\"hewentonmoremildly，\"butthatshewastheonewholivedhere，Ineitherknewatthetimenorfeelwillingtobelievenowwithoutpositiveproof。\"Theninadeepringingtonethestatelinessofwhichitwouldbeimpossibletodescribe，heinquired，\"Havethecityauthoritiespresumedtoputaspyonmymovements，thatthefactofmyspeakingtoapoorforsakencreatureonthecornerofthestreetshouldbenotonlynotedbutremembered?\"
\"Mr。Blake，\"observedMr。Gryce，andIdeclareIwasproudofmysuperioratthatmoment，\"nomanwhoisatruecitizenandaChristianshouldobjecttohavehisstepsfollowed，whenbyhisownthoughtlessness，perhaps，hehasincurredasuspicionwhichdemandsit。\"
\"AnddoyoumeantosaythatIhavebeenfollowed，\"inquiredhe，clenchinghishandandlookingsteadily，butwithablanchingcheek，firstatMr。Grycethenatme。
\"Itwasindispensable，\"quoththatfunctionarygently。
Theoutragedgentlemanrivetedhisgazeuponme。\"Intownandoutoftown?\"demandedhe。
IletMr。Grycereply。\"ItisknownthatyouhavelatelysoughttovisittheSchoenmakers，\"saidhe。
Mr。Blakedrewadeepbreath，casthiseyesaboutthehandsomeapartmentinwhichwewere，letthemrestforamomentuponaportraitthatgracedonesideofthewall，andwhichwasIhavesincelearnedapictureofhisfather，andslowlydrewforwardachair。
\"Letmehearwhatyoursuspicionsare，\"saidhe。
InoticedMr。Grycecoloredatthis；hehadevidentlybeenmetinadifferentwayfromwhatheexpected。\"Excuseme，\"saidhe，\"IdonotsayIhaveanysuspicions；myerrandissimplytonotifyyouofthedeathofthegirlyouwereseentospeakwith，andtoaskwhetherornotyoucangiveusanyinformationthatcanaidusinthematterbeforethecoroner。\"
\"YouknowIhavenot。IfIhavebeenascloselyfollowedasyousay，youmustknowwhyIspoketothatgirlandothers，whyIwenttothehouseoftheSchoenmakersand——Doyouknow?\"hesuddenlyinquired。
Mr。Grycewasnotthemantoanswersuchaquestionasthat。Heeyedtherichsignetringthatadornedthehandofthegentlemanbeforehimandsuavelysmiled。\"Iamreadytolistentoanyexplanations，\"
saidhe。
Mr。Blake\'shaughtycountenancebecamealmoststern。\"Youconsideryouhavearighttodemandthem；letmehearwhy。\"
\"Well，\"saidMr。Grycewithachangeoftone，\"youshall。
Unprofessionalasitis，IwilltellyouwhyI，amemberofthepoliceforce，dareenterthehouseofsuchamanasyouare，andputhimthequestionsIhaveconcerninghisdomesticaffairs。Mr。Blake，imagineyourselfinadetective\'soffice。Awomancomesin，thehousekeeperofarespectedcitizen，andinformsusthatagirlemployedbyherasseamstresshasdisappearedinaveryunaccountablewayfromhermaster\'shousethenightbefore；infactbeenabductedasshethinksfromcertainevidences，throughthewindow。Hermannerisagitated，herappealforassistanceurgent，thoughsheacknowledgesnorelationshiptothegirlorexpressesanyespecialcauseforherinterestbeyondthatofcommonhumanity。\'Shemustbefound，\'shedeclares，andhintsthatanysumnecessarywillbeforthcoming，thoughfromwhatsourceafterherownpittanceisexpendedshedoesnotstate。Whenaskedifhermasterhasnointerestinthematter，shechangescolorandputsusoff。Henevernoticedhisservants，leftallsuchconcernstoher，etc。；butshowsfearwhenapropositionismadetoconsulthim。Nextimagineyourselfwiththedetectivesinthatgentleman\'shouse。