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。
