CHAPTERI
　　INTHEPOLICECOURT
　　TeAssistantDistrictAttorneyglanceddownatthepapersinhishandandthenupatthewell—dressed，stockilybuiltmanoccupyingthewitnessstand。Hismannerwasconciliatory。
　　"Accordingtoyourtestimony，Mr。Clymer，theprisoner，JohnSylvester，washonestandreliable，andfaithfullyperformedhisdutiesasconfidentialclerk，"hestated。"JustwhenwasSylvesterinyouremploy？"
　　"Sylvesterwasneverinmyemploy，"correctedBenjaminAugustusClymer。ThepresidentoftheMetropolisTrustCompanywasnotedforhisprecisionofspeech。"Duringthewinterof1918IsharedanapartmentwithJudgeJamesHildebrand，whoemployedSylvester。"
　　"WasSylvesteraddictedtodrink？"
　　"No。"
　　"Washequarrelsome？"
　　"No。"
　　"WasSylvestermarriedatthatdate？"
　　AtthequestionafaintsmiletouchedthecornersofClymer’scleanshavenmouthandhiseyestraveledinvoluntarilytowardtheover—dressedfemalewhosechargeofassaultandbatteryagainstherhusbandhadbroughtClymertothepolicecourtasa"character"
　　witnessinSylvester’sbehalf。
　　"SylvesterleftJudgeHildebrandtogetmarried，"heexplained。
　　"Hewasamodelclerk;honest，sober，andindustrious。"
　　"Thatisall，Mr。Clymer。"TheAssistantDistrictAttorneyspokeinsomehaste。"Youmayretire，sir，"and，asClymerturnedtovacatethewitnessbox，headdressedthepresidingjudge。
　　Clymerdidnotcatchhisremarksas，onsteppingdown，hewasbutton—holedbyamanwhoseentrancehadoccurredafewminutesbeforethroughtheswingdoorwhichgaveexitfromthespacereservedforwitnessesandlawyersintothebodyofthecourtroom。
　　"Sitoverhereasecond，"thenewcomersaidinanundertone，indicatingthelongbenchunderthewindow。"HasMissMcIntyrebeenhere？"
　　"MissMcIntyre—here？"Clymerstaredinamazementathisquestioner。
　　"No，certainlynot。"
　　"Don’tbesopositive，"retortedthelawyerheatedly，hiscolorrisingattheother’sincreduloustone。"HelenMcIntyretelephonedmetomeether，and—byJove，hereshecomes，"asaslightstiratthebackofthecourtroomcausedhimtoglanceinthatdirection。
　　Agray—hairedpatrolman，capinhand，wasintheleadofthesmallprocessionwhichfileduptheaisle，andClymergazedinastonishmentatHelenMcIntyreandhertwinsister，Barbara。Whathadbroughtthematthathourtothepolicecourt？
　　Thecourtroomwasfilledwithmen，bothwhiteandblack，whileadozenormoreslatternlynegrowomenwereseatedhereandthere。
　　TheAssistantDistrictAttorney’spleaforapostponementoftheSylvestercaseonthegroundoftheabsenceofanimportantwitnessandthegrantingofhispleawasentirelylostonthemajorityofthoseinthecourtroom，theirattentionbeingwhollycenteredonHelenMcIntyreandBarbara，whosebearingandclothesspokeofafashionableandprosperousworldtowhichnearlyallpresentwereutterlyforeign。
　　Barbara，sensitivetotheconcentratedregardwhichtheirentrancehadattracted，drewclosertoDr。AmosStone，theirfamilyphysician，whohadaccompaniedthematherparticularrequest。ExceptforMrs。
　　Sylvester，sheandhersisterweretheonlywhitewomenintheroom。
　　Beforetheycouldtaketheseatstowhichtheyhadbeenushered，theclerk’sstentoriantonessentthegirls’namesechoingdownthecourtroomandBarbara，muchperturbed，foundherselfstandingwithHelenbeforetheclerk’sdesk。Therewasamoment’swaitandthedeputymarshal，whohadmotionedtooneoftheprisonerssittinginthe"cage"tostepoutside，emphasizedhisorderwithamutteredimprecationtohurry。AslouchingfigurefinallyshambledpasthimandstoppedsomelittledistancefromthegroupinfrontoftheJudge’sbench。
　　"House—breaking，"announcedtheclerk。"Chargebroughtby—"Helookedupatthetwogirls。
　　"MissHelenMcIntyre，"answeredoneofthetwinscomposedly。
　　"DaughterofColonelCharlesMcIntyreofthiscity。"
　　"ChargebroughtbyMissHelenMcIntyre，"continuedtheclerk，"against—"andhispointedfingerindicatedtheseedylookingmanslouchingbeforethem。
　　"Smith，"saidthelatter，andhishuskyvoicewasbarelyaudible。
　　"Smith，"repeatedtheclerk。"Firstname—？"
　　"John，"wastheanswer，givenafteraslightpause。
　　"JohnSmith，youarechargedbyMissHelenMcIntyrewithhouse—breaking。Whatsayyou—guiltyornotguilty？"
　　Themanshiftedhisweightfromonefoottotheotherandshotanuneasylookabouthim。
　　"Notguilty，"heresponded。
　　AtthatinstantHelencaughtsightofBenjaminClymerandhiscompanion，PhilipRochester，andherpalecheeksflushedfaintlyatthelawyer’sapproach。Hehadtimebutforahastyhandshakebeforetheclerkadministeredtheoathtotheprisonerandthewitnessesinthecase。
　　RochesterwalkedbackandresumedhisseatbyClymer。Proppinghimselfinthecornermadebythebenchandthecage，insideofwhichsattheprisoners，heopenedhisrighthandandunfoldedasmallpaper。Hereadthebriefpenciledmessageitcontainednotoncebutadozentimes。FoldingthepaperintominutedimensionshetuckeditcarefullyinsidehisvestpocketandglancedsidewaysatClymer。ThebankerhardlynoticedhisuneasymovementsashesatregardingHelenMcIntyrestandinginthewitnessbox。Althoughpalerthanusual，thegirl’smannerwasquiet，butClymer，aclosestudentofhumannature，decidedshewaskeepinghercomposurebywillpoweralone，andhisinterestgrew。
　　TheJudge，fromtheBench，wasalsoregardingthehandsomewitnessandtheburglarwithcloseattention。ColonelCharlesMcIntyre，awealthymanufacturer，had，uponhisretirementfromactivebusiness，madetheNationalCapitalhishome，andhisnamehadbecomeahouseholdwordforphilanthropy，whilehistwindaughterswerebothpopularinWashington’sgayyoungerset。Severalreportersoflocalpapers，attractedbythementionoftheMcIntyrename，aswellasbythetwins’appearance，watchedthescenewithkeenexpectancy，eagerforearlymorning"copy。"
　　AstheAssistantDistrictAttorneyrosetoquestionHelenMcIntyre，theJudgeaddressedhim。
　　"Istheprisonerrepresentedbycounsel？"heasked。
　　Forreplytheburglarshookhishead。Risingslowlytohisfeet，PhilipRochesteradvancedtotheman’sside。
　　"Ifitpleasethecourt，"hebegan，"Iwilltakethecasefortheprisoner。"
　　HisofferreceivedaquickacceptancefromtheBench，butthescowlwithwhichtheburglarfavoredhimwasnotpleasant。Hitchingathisfrayedflannelcollar，themanpartlyturnedhisbackonthelawyerandlistenedwithaheavyfrowntoHelen’squickanswerstothequestionsputtoher。
　　"Whilewaitingformysistertoreturnfromadanceearlythismorning，"shestated，"Iwentdownstairsintothelibrary，andasIentereditIsawamanslipacrosstheroomandintoacoatcloset。Iretainedenoughpresenceofmindtostealacrosstotheclosetandturnthekeyinthedoor;thenIrantothewindowandfortunatelysawOfficerO’Ryanstandingunderthearclightacrossthestreet。Icalledhimandhearrestedtheprisoner。"
　　HersimplestatementevokedanodofapprovalfromtheAssistantDistrictAttorney，andRochesterfrownedashewaivedhisrighttocross—examineher。ThenextwitnesswasOfficerO’Ryan，andhistestimonyconfirmedHelen’s。
　　"Theprisonerwasstandingbackamongthecoatsinthecloset，"hesaid。"Myautomaticagainsthisribsbroughthimout。"
　　"Didyousearchyourprisoner？"askedRochester，ashetookthewitness。
　　"Yes，sir。
　　"Findanyconcealedweapons？"
　　"No，sir。"
　　"Aburglar’skit？"
　　"No，sir。"
　　"Didtheprisonermakeastatementafterhisarrest？"
　　"No，sir;hecamealongpeaceablyenough，hardlyawordoutofhim，"acknowledgedO’Ryanregretfully。Heenjoyedareputationontheforceasa"scrapper，"andawillingprisonerwasadisappointmenttohisnaturallypugnaciousdisposition。
　　"Didyousearchthehouse？"
　　"Sure，andhaven’tIbeentellingyouIdid？"answeredO’Ryan;hisprideinhisachievementinarrestingaburglarinsofashionableaneighborhoodasSheridanCirclewasgivingplacetoresentmentatRochester’smannerofaddressinghim。Atasignfromthelawyer，heleftthewitnessstand，andRochesteraddressedtheJudge。
　　"Iasktheindulgenceofthecourtformoretime，"hecommenced，"thatImayconsultmyclientandfindifhedesirestocallwitnesses。"
　　"Thecourtfinds，"respondedtheJudge，"thataclearcaseofhouse—breakinghasbeenprovenagainsttheprisonerbyreputablewitnesses。Hewillhavetostandtrial。"
　　Forthefirsttimetheprisonerraisedhiseyesfromcontemplationofthefloor。
　　"Idemandtrialbyjury，"heannounced。
　　"Itisyourright，"acknowledgedtheJudge，andturnedtoconsulthiscalendar。
　　Steppingforward，thedeputymarshallaidhishandontheburglar’sshoulder。
　　"Goinside，"hedirectedandheldopenthecagedoor，whichimmediatelyswungbackintoplace，andRochester，followingcloselyattheprisoner’sheels，haltedabruptly。Afitofcoughingshooktheburglarandhepausedbytheironrailing，gaspingforbreath。
　　"Water，"hepleaded，andacourtattendanthandedacuptoRochester，standingjustoutsidethecage，andhepasseditovertheironrailingtotheburglar。ThenturningonhisheelthelawyerrejoinedClymer，hisdiscontentplainlydiscernible。
　　"Aclearcaseagainstyourclient，"remarkedClymer，readinghisthoughts。"Don’ttaketheaffairtoheart，man;youdidyourbestunderdifficulties。"
　　Rochestershookhisheadgloomily。"Imighthave—Jove！whydidn’tIaskforbail？"
　　"Bail！"Thebankersuppressedachuckleasheeyedthethreadbaresuitandtatteredappearanceoftheburglar，whohadresumedhisseatintheprisoner’scage。"Whowouldhavestoodsuretyforthatscarecrow？"
　　"Iwouldhave。"Rochesterspokewithsomevehemence，buthiswordswerepartlydrownedbytheviolentfitofcoughingwhichagainshooktheburglar，andbeforehecouldfinishhissentence，HelenMcIntyrestoodathiselbow。ShebowedgravelytoClymerwhoroseatherapproach，andlaidapersuasivehandonRochester’ssleeve。
　　"Willyoucomewithus？"sheasked。"BarbaraandDr。Stonearereadytoleave。Thedoctorwishesto—"AsshespokeshelookedacrossatStone，whostoodoppositeherinthelittlegroup。Hefailedtocatchbothherwordandhereye，hisgaze，passingoverhershoulder，wasrivetedontheburglar。
　　"Somethingiswrong，"heannouncedandpushedpastBarbara。"Letmeinsidethecage，"hedirectedasthedeputymarshalkeptthegateclosedathisapproach。"Yourprisonerappearsill。"
　　Oneglanceattheburglarprovedthetruthofthephysician’sstatementandthegatewashastilyopened。Stonebentovertheman，whosespasmodicbreathingcouldbehearddistinctlythroughthecourtroom，thenhisgazeshiftedtotheotheroccupantsofthecage。
　　"Themanmusthaveair，"hedeclared。"Youraidhere。"LookinguphiseyesmetClymer’s，andthelattercameswiftlyintothecage，followedbyRochester，andthedeputymarshalslammedthedoorshutbehindthem。
　　"Stepoutthisway，"hesaid，asClymeraidedthephysicianinliftingtheburglar，andheledthemintotheante—roomwhenceprisonersweretakenintothecage。
　　Stretchinghisburdenonthefloor，Stonetoreopentheman’sshirtandfelthisheart，whileClymer，spyingawatercooler，spedacrosstheroomandreturnedimmediatelywithabrimmingglass。
　　"Here’swater，"hesaid，butStonerefusedtheprofferedglass。
　　"Nouse，"heannounced。"Themanisdead。"
　　"Dead！"echoedthedeputymarshal。"Well，I’llbe—say，doctor，"
　　butStonehaddartedoutoftheroom，andheturnedopen—mouthedtoClymer。"Ifitwasn’tDoctorStoneIwouldsayhewascrazy，"hedeclared。
　　"Tut！Feeltheman’sheartandconvinceyourself，"suggestedClymertartly，andthedeputymarshal，droppingononeknee，didso。
　　Detectingnoheart—beat，theofficerpassedhishandoverthedeadman’sunshavenchinandacrosshisforehead，brushingbacktheunkempthair。Underhisnonetoogentletouchthewigslippedback，revealingtohisastonishedgazeaheadofshortcropped，redhair。
　　Clymer，whohadfollowedthedeputymarshal’smovementswithinterest，gaveashoutwhichwasechoedbyRochesterandDr。Stone，whoreturnedatthatmoment。
　　"GoodGod！"gaspedClymer，shakenoutofhisaccustomedcalm。
　　"JimmieTurnbull！"
　　Thedeputymarshaleyedthestartledmen。
　　"Youdon’tmean—"hestammered，andpaused。
　　ForanswerDr。Stonestraightenedthedeadmanandremovedthewig。
　　"JamesTurnbull，"hesaidgravely，andturning，addressedRochester，whohaddroppeddownonthenearestchair。"CashieroftheMetropolisTrustCompany，Rochester，andyourroommate，masqueradingasaburglar。"
　　CHAPTERII
　　THEGAMEOFCONSEQUENCES
　　R0ChesterdidnotappeartohearDr。Stone’swords。Witheyeshalfstartingfromtheirsocketshesatstaringatthedeadman，completelyobliviousoftheothers’presence。Afterwatchinghimforamomentthephysicianturnedbrisklytothedazeddeputymarshal。
　　"Summonthecoroner，"hedirected。"Wecannotmovethebodyuntilhecomes。"
　　Hiscurttonebroughttheofficial’switsbackwithajumpandhemadefortheexit，onlytobestoppedatthethresholdbyasandy—hairedmanjustenteringtheroom。
　　Atthewordcoroner，Rochesterraisedhimselffromhisbentattitudeandbrushedhishandacrosshiseyes。
　　"Noneedforacoronertodiagnosethecase，"heobjected。"PoorTurnbullalwayssaidhewouldgoofflikethat。"
　　Stonemovednearer。"Likethat？"hequestioned，pointingtothestillfigure。"Explainyourself，Rochester。DidTurnbullexpecttodiehereinthismanner？"
　　"No—no—certainlynot。"Thelawyermoistenedhisdrylips。"Butwhenamanhasanginapectorisheknowstheendmaycomeatanymomentandinanyplace。Turnbullmadenosecretofsufferingfromthatdisease。"RochesterturnedtowardClymer。"Youknewit。"
　　BenjaminClymer，whohadbeengazingalternatelyatthedeadmanandvaguelyabouttheroom，lookedstartledattheabruptquestion。
　　"IknewTurnbullhadbadattacksoftheheart;weallknewitatthebank，"hestated。"ButIunderstoodthediseasehadrespondedtotreatment。"
　　"Thereisnocureforanginapectoris，"declaredRochester。
　　"Nopermanentcure，"amendedStone，andwouldhaveaddedmore，butRochesterstoppedhim。
　　"NowthatyouknowTurnbulldiedofanginapectoristhereisnonecessityofsendingforthecoroner，"Rochesterspokeinhaste，hiswordstumblingovereachother。"Iwillgoatonceandcommunicatewithanundertaker。"Butbeforehecouldrisefromhischairthesandy—hairedman，whohadconductedawhisperedconversationwiththedeputymarshal，advancedtowardthegroup。
　　"Justamoment，gentlemen，"hesaid，andturnedbackalapelofhiscoatanddisplayedametalbadge。"IamFergusonoftheCentralOffice。Doyouknowthedeceased？"
　　"Hewasmyintimatefriend，"announcedRochesterbeforehiscompanionscouldreplytothedetective’squestion，whichwasaddressedtoall。"Mr。Clymer，here，cantellyouthatJimmieTurnbull，cashierofhisbank，waswellknowninfinancialandsocialWashington。"
　　"Howcamehehereinthisfix？"askedFergusonwithmoreforcethangrammaticclarity。
　　"Asuddenheartattack—anginapectoris，youknow，"repliedRochesterglibly，"withfatalresults。"
　　"Iwasn’talludingtowhatkilledhim，"Fergusonexplained。"ButwhywasthecashieroftheMetropolisTrustCompany，"helookedquestioninglyatClymerwhomheknewquitewellbysight，"andasocialhigh—light，deckedoutintheseclothesandawig，too？"
　　leaningdown，thebettertoexaminetheclothingonthedeadman。
　　"HehadjustbeenheldfortheGrandJuryonachargeofhouse—breaking，"volunteeredthedeputymarshal。"Ireckonthatbroughtonhisheart—attack。"
　　"True，true，"agreedRochester。"Theexcitementwastoomuchforhim。"
　　"House—breaking"ejaculatedthedetective。"Dangeroussportforamansufferingwithanginapectoris，asidefromanythingelse。
　　Whopreferredcharges？"
　　"TheMissesMcIntyre，"answeredthedeputymarshal，towhomthequestionwasaddressed。"Liketointerviewthem？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"No，no！"Rochesterwasonhisfeetinstantly。"Thereisnonecessitytobringthetwinsouthere—it’stootragic！"
　　"Tragic？"echoedFerguson。"Why？"
　　"Why—why—Turnbullwasarrestedintheirhouse，"Rochesterwascommencingtostutter。"Hewastheirfriend—"
　　"Caughtburglarizing，heh？"Ferguson’seyesglowed;thecasealreadywhettedhisremarkablykeeninquisitorialinstinctwhichhadgainedhimplaceandcertainfameintheWashingtonpoliceforce。
　　"AretheMissesMcIntyrestillinthebuilding？"
　　"TheywereinthecourtroomjustbeforewebroughtTurnbull’sbodyhere，"respondedthedeputymarshal。"Iguesstheyarestillwaiting，eh，doctor？"
　　Stone，thusappealedto，nodded。"IagreewithMr。Rochester，"hesaid，andthegravityofhismannerimpressedFerguson。"ItisbetterformetobreakthenewsofMr。Turnbull’sdeathtotheyoungladiesbeforebringingthemhere。Therefore，withyourpermission，Ferguson—Hegotnofurther。
　　ThroughtheouterentranceoftheroomcameHelenMcIntyreandhersisterBarbara，conductedbythesamebowingpatrolmanwhohadusheredthemintothecourtroomanhourbefore。
　　"MyGod！Toolate！"stammeredRochesterunderhisbreath，andheturnedindesperationtoBenjaminClymer。Thebankpresident’sstateofmindattheextraordinarymasqueradeandsuddendeathofhispopularandtrustedcashierborderedonshockedhorror，whichhadmadehimapassivewitnessoftherapidlyshiftingscene。
　　Rochesterclutchedhisarminhisagitation。"Getthetwinsoutofhere—dosomething，man！Don’tyouknowthatTurnbullwasinlovewith—"
　　HisfervidwhisperpenetratedfurtherthanherealizedandoneoftheMcIntyretwinslookedinquiringlyintheirdirection。Clymer，morestartledthanhisdemeanorindicated，wonderedifshehadoverheardRochester’sejaculations，butwhateveractionthebankercontemplatedinresponsetothelawyer’sappealwascheckedbyascreamfromthegirlonhisright。WithashenfaceandtremblingfingershepointedtoTurnbull’sbodywhichsuddenlyconfrontedherasshewalkedforward。
　　"Whoisit？"shegasped。"Babs，tellme！"Andsheheldoutherhandimploringly。
　　HersistersteppedtohersideandbentoverTurnbull。Whenshelookedupherlipsaloneretainedtheircolor。
　　"Hush！"sheimplored，givinghersisteraslightshake。"Hush！
　　ItisJimmieTurnbull。Canyounotseeforyourself，dear？"
　　ItseemeddoubtfulifHelenheardher;withattentionwhollycenteredonthedeadmansheswayedonherfeet，andDr。Stone，thinkingshewasabouttofall，placedasupportingarmabouther。
　　"DoyounotknowJimmie？"askedhersister。"Don’tstareso，dearest。"Hertonewaspleading。
　　"PerhapstheyoungladyhassomedifficultyinrecognizingMr。
　　Turnbullinhisdisguise，"suggestedFerguson，whostoodsomewhatinthebackgroundbutcloselyobservingthescene。
　　"Disguise！"HelenraisedhereyesandFerguson，hardenedashehadbecometotragicscenes，feltathrobofpityashecaughtthepent—upagonyinhermuteappeal。
　　"Yes，Miss，"hesaidawkwardly。"TheburglaryoucaughtinyourhousewasMr。Turnbullindisguise。
　　BarbaraMcIntyrereleasedhergraspofhersister’sarmandcollapsedonachair。Stone，stillsupportingHelen，felthermusclesgrowtautandaninstantlatershesteppedbackfromhissideandstoodbyhersister。Asthetwogirlsfacedthecircleofmen，thelikenessbetweenthemwasextraordinary。Eachhadthesameslightgracefulfigure，equalheight;andfeatureforfeature，coloringmatchingcoloring，theywereidentical;theirgowns，even，werecutonsimilarlines，onlytheirhatsvariedinshapeandcolor。
　　"DoIunderstand，gentlemen，"Helenbegan，andhervoicegainedsteadinessassheproceeded，"thattheburglarwhomOfficerO’RyanandIcaughtlurkinginourhousewasJamesTurnbull？"
　　"Hewas，"answeredFerguson，andStone，asthetwinslookeddumblyathim，confirmedthedetective’sstatementwithabrief，"Yes。"
　　ThesilencethatensuedwasbrokenbyBarbararisingtoherfeet。
　　"Jimmiewonhiswager，"sheannounced。Hergazedidnotwaverbeforetheconcentratedregardofthemenfacingher。"Hebrokeintoourhouse—but，oh，howcanIpaymydebttohimnowthatheisdead！"
　　"Hush！"Helenlaidacautioninghandonhersister’sarmasthelatter’svoicegainedinshrillness，theshrillnessofapproachinghysteria。
　　"Iamallright，Helen。"Barbarawavedherawayimpatiently。
　　"WhatcausedJimmie’sdeath？"
　　"Anginapectoris，"declaredRochester。"Toomuchexcitementbroughtonafatalattack。"Barbaranoddeddazedly。"Iknewhehadhearttrouble，but—"ShesteppedtowardTurnbullandhervoicequiveredwithfeeling。"Don’tleaveJimmielyingthere;takehimtohisroom，doctor，"turningentreatinglytoStone。
　　Thephysicianlookedathercompassionately。"Iwill，justassoonasthecoronerviewsthebody，"hepromised。"Butcomeawaynow，Babs;thisisnoplaceforyouandHelen。"Hesignedtothedeputymarshaltoopenthedoorashewalkedacrosstheroom，Barbarakeepingstepwithhim，andhersisterfollowingintheirwake。
　　AtthedoorBarbarapausedandlookedback。
　　"Willtherebeaninquest？"sheasked。
　　"That’sforthecoronertodecide，"respondedFerguson。"AslongasMr。Turnbullenteredyourhouseonawageranddiedfromanattackofanginapectoristheinquestislikelytobeamereformality。Ah，hereisthecoronernow，"asamanpausedinthedoorway。
　　HelenMcIntyremovedbackfromthedoortomakeroomforCoronerPenfield。Havinghadoccasiontoattendcourtthatmorning，hewaspassingthedoorwhenattractedbythegroupjustinsidetheroom。CourteouslyacknowledgingHelen’sact，Penfieldsteppedbrisklyacrossthethresholdandstoppedabruptlyoncatchingsightofthelonelyfigureonthefloor。
　　"Won’tyouholdanautopsy，Ferguson？"askedClymer，breakinghislongsilence。
　　"No，sir，weneverdowhenthecauseofdeathisapparent，"thedetectivebowedtoCoronerPenfield。"Isn’tthatso，Coroner？"
　　Penfieldnodded。"Unlesstheconditionofthebodyindicatesfoulplayortherelativesspeciallyrequestit，wedonotperformautopsies，"heanswered。"Whathashappenedhere？"andhegazedaboutwithquickenedinterest。
　　"Mr。Turnbull，whomasqueradedasaburglaronawagerwithMissMcIntyrediedsuddenlyfromanginapectoris，"explainedthedeputymarshal。
　　"Justacaseofdeathfromnaturalcauses，"brokeinRochester。
　　"PleasewriteoutapermitformetoremoveTurnbull’sbody，Dr。
　　Penfield。"
　　HelenMcIntyretookastepforward。Hereyes，twicetheiraccustomedsize，shonebrightly，incontrasttoherdeadwhiteface。Carefullyavoidinghersister’sglancesheaddressedthecoroner。
　　"Imustinsist，"shebeganandstoppedtocontrolhervoice。"AsMr。Turnbull’sfiancee，I—"shefalteredagain。"Idemandthatanautopsybeheldtodeterminethecauseofhisdeath。"
　　CHAPTERIII
　　THEROOMWITHTHESEVENDOORS
　　Mrs。Brewsterregardedhersurroundingswithinwardsatisfaction。
　　Itwouldhavetakenafarmorecaptiouscriticthantheprettywidowtofindfaultwiththelarge，high—ceilingedroominwhichshesat。ThehandsomecarvedVenetianfurniture，therichhangingsandvaluablepaintingsonthewallsgaveevidenceofColonelMcIntyre’sartistictasteandappreciationofthebeautiful。Mrs。
　　Brewsterhadneverfailed，duringhervisittotheMcIntyretwins，toexaminetherarecuriosinthecarvedcabinetsandthetapestriesonthewalls，butthatafternoon，withoneeyeontheclockandtheotheronherembroidery，shesatwaitingingrowingimpatiencefortheinterruptionsheanticipated。
　　Thehandsoftheclockhadpassedthehouroffivebeforethebuzzofadistantbellbroughthertoherfeet。HurryingtothewindowshepeepedbetweenthecurtainsintimetoseeastylishroadsterelectricglidedownthedrivewayleadingfromtheMcIntyreresidenceandstopatthecurb。AssheturnedtogobacktoherchairDr。
　　Stonewasusheredintothelibrarybythefootman。Mrs。Brewsterwelcomedhercousinwithfrankrelief。
　　"Ihavewaitedsoimpatientlyforyou，"sheconfessed，makingroomforhimtositonthesofabyherside。
　　"Iwasdetained，Margaret。"Stone’svoicewasnotover—cordial;
　　threeimperativetelephonecallsfromher，comingatamomentwhenhehadbeenengagedwithaseriouscaseinhisoffice，hadprovokedhim。"Doyouwishtoseemeprofessionally？"
　　"Indeed，Idon’t。"Shelaughedfrankly。"Iamthepictureofhealth。"
　　Stone，observingherfinecoloringandcleareyes，silentlyagreedwithher。Thewidowmadeacharmingpictureinhermodishtea—gown，andthephysician，watchingherwithanappraisingeye，acknowledgedthebeautywhichhadcaptivatedallWashington。Mrs。Brewsterhadcarriedherhonorstactfully，afactwhichhadgainedherpopularityevenamongthedowagersandmatch—makingmotherswhotakeanactivepartinWashington’ssocialseason。
　　"Then，Margaret，whatdoyouwishtoseemeabout？"Stoneasked，afterwaitingwithoutresultforhertocontinuespeaking。
　　Shelaughedsoftly。"Youarethemostpracticalofmen，"shesaid。
　　"Itwouldnothavebeensodifficulttofindacompanionanxioustospendthewholeafternoonwithmeformysakealone。"
　　"ColonelMcIntyre，forinstance？"heteased，andlaughedamusedlyatherheightenedcolor。"Haveacare，Margaret;McIntyre’sflirtationsareallverywell，butheisthetypeofmantobedeadlyinearnestwhenoncehefallsinlove。"
　　"Thanksforyourwarning，"Mrs。Brewstersmiled，thengrewserious。
　　"IsentforyoutoaskaboutJimmieTurnbull’sdeaththismorning。
　　Barbaratoldmeyouaccompaniedthemtothepolicecourt。"
　　"Yes。Whyweren’tyouwiththegirls？"
　　"BecauseIwastoldnothingoftheirtriptothe，policecourtuntiltheyhadreturned，"shereplied。"Howhorriblytragicthewholeaffairis！"Andashivershecouldnotsuppresscreptdownherspine。
　　"Itis，"agreedStone。"WhatpossessedJimmieTurnbulltoplaysomadatrick？"
　　"HiswagerwithBarbara。"
　　Stoneleanedalittlenearer。"Haveyoulearnedthenatureofthatwager？"heasked，loweringhisvoice。
　　"No。Babswasinsohystericalaconditionwhenshereturnedfromthepolicecourtthatshegaveaveryincoherentaccountofthewholeaffair，andshehaskeptherroomeversinceluncheon，"
　　explainedMrs。Brewster。
　　Stonelookedpuzzled。"IunderstoodthatJimmiewasattentivetoHelenMcIntyreandnottoBarbara，"hesaid。"Butuponmyword，BarbaraappearedmoreovercomebyJimmie’sdeaththanHelen。"
　　Mrs。Brewsterdidnotreplyatonce;instead，sheglancedcarefullyaround。TheroomwasgenerallytherallyingplaceoftheMcIntyres。
　　Itstretchedacrossalmosttheentirewidthofthehouse;thediamond—panedandrecessedwindowsgaveitamedievalairinkeepingwithitsantiquefurniture，andthesevendoorsopeningfromitled，respectively，tothelargediningroombeyond，amorningroom，billiardroom，thefrontandbackhalls，andtheItalianloggiawhichover—lookedthestretchofgroundbetweentheMcIntyreresidenceanditsneighboronthenorth。Apparently，sheandDr。
　　Stonehadtheroomtothemselves。
　　"Icannotansweryourquestionwithpositiveness，"shestated。
　　"Frankly，Jimmieappearedimpartialinhisattentionstothetwins。
　　Whenhewasn’twithBarbarahewaswithHelen，andviceversa。"
　　Stonegazedatherinsomeperplexity。"AreyouawarethatHelenstatedatthepolicecourtthismorningthatshewasTurnbull’sfiancee？"
　　"What！"Mrs。Brewsteractuallybouncedinherseat。"You—youastoundme！"
　　"Iwasabitsurprisedmyself，"acknowledgedthephysician。"I
　　thoughtRochester—however，thatisneitherherenorthere。HelennotonlyannouncedshewasJimmie’sfianceebutassuchdemandedthatapost—mortemexaminationbeheldtodeterminethecauseofhisdeath。"
　　Mrs。Brewster’sprettycolorfadedandtheglancesheturnedonhercousinwassharp。"WhyshouldHelensuspectfoulplay？"shedemanded。
　　"Forthatiswhatherrequesthinted。"
　　"True。"Stonepulledhisbeardabsentmindedly。"Ah，hereisColonelMcIntyre，"heexclaimedastheportieresbeforethehalldoorpartedandatallmanstrodeintothelibrary。
　　McIntyrewasafavoritewiththeoldphysician，andhewelcomedhisarrivalwithwarmth。ExchangingawordofgreetingwithMrs。
　　Brewster，McIntyredrewupachairanddroppedintoit。
　　"Icalledatyouroffice，doctor，"hesaid。"WentthereatonceonlearningtheshockingnewsaboutpoorTurnbull。Whyintheworlddidn’theannouncewhohewaswhenmydaughterhadhimarrestedasaburglar？Hemusthaverealizedthatprolongedexcitementwasbadforhisweakheart。"
　　Mrs。Brewster，whohadsettledherselfmorecomfortablyinhercornerofthesofaonMcIntyre’sarrival，answeredhisremark。
　　"IonlyknewJimmiesuperficially，"shesaid，"buthehadonedistinguishingtraitpatenttoall，hisinordinatefondnessforpracticaljokes。Probablythepredicamenthefoundhimselfinwashighlytohistaste—untilhisheartfailed。"
　　Hervoice，slightlyraised，carriedacrosstheroomandreachedtheearsofatall，slendergirlwhohadstoodhesitatingonthethresholdofthediningworndooronbeholdingthegroupbythesofa。Allhesitationvanished，however，asthemeaningofMrs。
　　Brewster’sremarkdawnedonher，andshewalkedovertothesofa。
　　"Youareveryunjust，Margaret，"shestated，andatsoundofherlowtriantevoiceMcIntyrewhirledaroundandfrownedslightly。
　　"Jimmiewasthinkingofthepredicamentofothers，notofhimself。"
　　"Whatdoyoumean，Helen？"herfatherdemanded。
　　"Why，howcouldJimmierevealhisidentityincourtwithoutinvolvingus？"sheasked。"Goodafternoon，doctor，"recollectinghermanners，andherattentionthusdiverted，shemissedthesuddenquestioninglookwhichMrs。Brewsterandherfatherexchanged。"No，"
　　shecontinued，"Jimmiesacrificedhimselfforothers。"
　　"Bybecomingaburglar。"McIntyrelaughedshortly。"Don’ttalkarrantnonsense，Helen。"
　　Thegirlflushedathistone，andDr。Stone，aninterestedonlooker，marveledatthefleetingflashofdisdainwhichlightedherdarkeyes。Stone’sinterestgrew。TheMcIntyrefamilyhadalwaysbeenparticularlycongenial，andthedevotionofColonelMcIntyre（leftawidowerwhenthetwinswereinshortfrocks）tohisdaughtershadbeencommentedonfrequentlybytheirwidecircleoffriendsinWashingtonandbyacquaintancesmadeintheirtravelsabroad。
　　ColonelMcIntyrehadmarriedwhenquiteayoungman。Frugalityandindustryandabrilliantmindhadreapedtheirreward，and，wiserthanthemajorityofAmericans，heretiredearlyfrombusinessanddevotedhimselftoalifeofleisureandtheeducationofhisdaughters。TheirdebutthepreviousautumnhadbeenoneofthesocialeventsoftheWashingtonseason，andtheinstantpopularitythegirlshadattainedprovedasourceofpridetoColonelMcIntyre。
　　Hischiefpleasureconsistedingratifyingtheireverywhim，andDr。Stone，knowingthefamilyashedid，wonderedatthefaintlydiscernibleairofconstraintinthegirl’smanner。Usuallyfranktoasometimesembarrassingdegree，sheappearedtosomedisadvantageasshesatgazingmoodilyatthetipsofherpatent—leatherpumps。
　　Dr。Stone’sattentionshiftedtoColonelMcIntyreandlastlytotheprettywidowathiselbow。HadDameRumorspokentrulyinthereport，widelycirculated，thatthecolonelhadfallenavictimtothecharmsofMargaretBrewster，hisdaughters’guest？Ifso，itmightaccountfortheyounggirl’smanner—howeverdevotedMcIntyre’sdaughtersmightbetoMrs。Brewsterasafriendandcompanion，theymightresenthavingsoyoungawomanfortheirstep—mother。
　　Notreceivinganyreplytohisremarks，McIntyrewasabouttoaddresshisdaughteragainwhenshespoke。
　　"Jimmiewillbejustified，"shedeclaredstoutly。"Hasthecoronerheldtheautopsyyet，Dr。Stone？"
　　"Autopsy！"McIntyrespokewithsharpabruptness。"IthoughtitwasclearlyestablishedthatJimmiediedfromanginapectoris？"
　　"Itissobelieved，"respondedStone。Hismystificationwasgrowing;
　　hadnotHeleninformedherfatherofthescenewhichhadtranspiredatthepolicecourt，andofherrequesttothecoroner？"I
　　understandthepost—mortemexaminationwillbemadethisafternoon，Helen。"
　　Aheavypaperknife，nicelybalancedbetweenMcIntyre’swellmanicuredfingers，droppedtothefloorasastepsoundedbehindhimandthebutler，Grimes，stoppedbyhisside。
　　"Mr。Rochesterjusttelephonedthathispartner，Mr。HarryKent，isoutoftown，Miss"—bowingtothesilentgirl。Grimesalwayscontentedhimselfwithaddressinghis"youngladies"bythesimpleprefix"Miss，"andneveraddedtheirgivennames，because，asheexpressedit，"themtwinsarealikeastwopeas，andwhichiswhich，Idunno。"ConsideringhimselfoneofthefamilyfromhislongservicewithColonelMcIntyre，hekeptawatchfuleyeonthetwins，buttheirpranksinchildhoodhadoftenexasperatedhimintogivingnotice，whichhegenerallyfounditconvenienttoforgetwhenthefirstofanewmonthcamearound。
　　"Mr。Kentwillbebackto—morrow，"addedthebutler，assilencefollowedthedeliveryofhismessage。"Mr。Rochesterwishestoknowifhecantransactanybusinessforyou。"
　　"Pleasethankhimandsayno。"Thegirl’scolorroseasshecaughtherfather’sdisapprovinglook。Thecolonelwaiteduntilthebutlerhaddisappearedbeforeaddressingher。
　　"WhydidyousendforHarryKent？"hequestioned。"YouknowIdonotapproveofhisattentionstoBarbara。Rochesteriswellenough—"
　　"SpeakingofRochester"—Mrs。Brewstersawthegatheringstormcloudsinthegirl’sexpressiveeyes，andbrokehastilyintotheconversation。"Iseebythepaper，CousinAmos"—sheturnedsoastofaceDr。Stone—"thatMr。RochesterdeclaredpositivelythatJimmieTurnbulldiedfromanginapectoris。"
　　"What’sPhilip’sopinionworth？"Theyounggirlsmileddisdainfully。
　　"PhilipseemstothinkthathavingsharedanapartmentwithJimmie，giveshimintimateknowledgeofJimmie’shealth。Philipisnotamedicalman。"
　　"No，"acknowledgedherfather。"ButhereisamedicalmanwhowasonthespotwhenJimmiedied。What’syouropinion，Stone？"
　　Stone，suddenlyconsciousofthekeenattentionofhiscompanions，spokeslowlyaswashiswontwhenmakingaseriousstatement。
　　"Rochester’scontentionthatJimmiediedfromanginapectoriswouldseemborneoutbywhattranspired，"hesaid。"UndoubtedlyJimmiefeltanattackcomingonandusedthecustomaryremedytorelieveit—"
　　"Andwhatwasthatremedy？"questionedMrs。Brewsterswiftly。
　　"Amy1nitrite。"Stonespokewithdecision。"Icoulddetectitspresencebythefruity，pleasantodorwhichalwaysaccompaniesthedrug’suse。"
　　"Ah！"TheexclamationslippedfromMrs。Brewster。"Isthedrugadministeredinwater？"
　　"No，itisinhaled—takecare，youhavedroppedyourhandkerchief。"
　　Stonepulledhimselfupshortinhisspeech，andbentoverbuttheyounggirlwastooquickforhim，andstoopedfirsttopickupherhandkerchief。
　　AssheraisedherheadStonecaughtsightofthetinymoleunderthelobeofherleftear。ItwastheonemarkwhichdistinguishedBarbarafromhertwinsister。ColonelMcIntyrehadaddressedhisdaughterasHelen，andshehadnotundeceivedhim—Why？Theperplexedphysiciangaveuptheproblem。
　　"Thedrug，"hewentontoexplain，"amylnitritecomesinpearlcapsulesandiscrushedinahandkerchiefandthefumesinhaled。"
　　Mrs。Brewsterleanedforwardsuddenly。"Wouldthatcausedeath？"
　　sheasked。
　　Stoneshookhisheadindenial。"Notthecustomarydoseofthreeminims，"heanswered，andturning，foundthatBarbarahadstolenfromtheroom。