"What--what is the name of the man who is her--guardian ?" "Dr.Mark Ransford," answered Bryce promptly.
The old man sat upright again, with a little toss of his head.
"Bless my soul!" he exclaimed.

"Mark Ransford! Then--it must have been as I feared--and suspected!" Bryce made no remark.

He knew at once that he had struck on something, and it was his method to let people take their own time.

Mr.Gilwaters had already fallen into something closely resembling a reverie: Bryce sat silently waiting and expectant.

And at last the old man leaned forward again, almost eagerly.
"What is it you want to know ?" he asked, repeating his first question.
"Is--is there some--some mystery ?" "Yes!" replied Bryce.