He acknowledged the receipt of their communication, deplored the death of his only relation, and requested that they would look after his money for him, as he had no use whatever for it at present.

He objected, he said, to signing a power of attorney as yet, for as there was no hurry they might consult him by letter or telegraph as often as they liked.

When Messrs.

Screw and Scratch read this epistle they opened their eyes wide, wondering what manner of man Claudius, Phil.D., might be.

And it took them some time to find out.