I have been detained longer than I expected, and I found the situation more complex than I anticipated, but I shall return well equipped for the battle." "And you will win, I am sure.

Tell me something regarding your plans," she added, with a wistful smile that touched her companion for more than he cared to betray.
"Mr.Alfred Barton goes with me to America," he said, speaking cheerfully; "and we have already cabled instructions to Mr.
Sutherland, my New York attorney, regarding the initiatory steps.
Mr.Barton and myself will be accompanied by James Wilson, the old servant who witnessed the execution of the will,"-- Miss Carleton's eyes brightened,--"and also by a thoroughly competent, first-class Scotland Yard officer." She gave a low exclamation.

"I see what a powerful witness old Wilson will make; but the detective, what will you do with him ?" "We are going to investigate the murder of Hugh Mainwaring," he said, calmly.
"Why, surely, you cannot mean--" she hesitated.

"You do not think that suspicion will be directed against any of the guests at Fair Oaks, do you ?" "My dear Miss Carleton, I cannot say at present.

Perhaps," he added, slowly, looking steadily into her eyes, "perhaps, when all is over, suspicion will be directed against myself so unmistakably that public opinion will pronounce me guilty." "I cannot believe that," she cried; "and even were it so,--should the whole world pronounce you guilty,--I would still believe you innocent; and I think," she added, quickly, "that is your object in employing a detective: by finding the real murderer, you will establish your own entire innocence." "May God grant it!" he replied, with a fervor she could not understand.