It was ascertained that the party consisted of two gentlemen, one of whom was accompanied by a valet, the other--presumably the attorney--by a clerk, but all efforts towards gaining any more definite information prove absolutely futile.

The arrival by the next steamer of another stranger, an elderly gentleman, who immediately joined the party at the Waldoff, after having registered under an evident alias, only served to deepen the mystery.
Upon the arrival of the day set for the hearing of the proof in support of the ancient will, the court-room was, at an early hour, packed to its utmost capacity.

Occupying a prominent place were Ralph Mainwaring and his son, accompanied by Mr.Whitney, the sensitive face of the attorney more eager and alert than ever! At some distance from them, but seated rather conspicuously where she could command a good view of all that occurred, was Mrs.
LaGrange, while in a remote corner of the court-room, partially concealed by the crowd, was Richard Hobson.
Within a few moments preceding the appointed hour, Mr.Sutherland appeared.

His entrance caused a sudden hush of expectation throughout the crowd and all eyes were immediately turned in his direction.

Accompanying him was a gentleman whose bearing commanded universal admiration, and whom the Mainwarings instantly recognized as the English barrister whose connection with the case they had deemed so incredible.