For such an effort as this might well end in disappointment, and I knew if I were disappointed now--But no such trial awaited me.

The maid who came to the door proved to be the same merry-eyed lass I had seen leave the store.

Indeed, she had the identical parcel in her hand which was the connecting link between the imposing house at whose door I stood and the strange murder in ---- Street.

But I did not allow my interest in this parcel to become apparent, and by the time I addressed her I had so mastered myself as to arouse no suspicion of the importance of my errand.

You, of course, foresee the question I put to the young girl.