'Joe,' I said, 'you speak with a positiveness which carries conviction with it, and encourages me to great expectations. Now I'll be honest and candid with you, and you must be frank with me and answer fully and truly one or two questions I wish to put to you. You admit that the remarkable likeness you see in Miss Stuart to a Mrs Stuart you knew long ago has disturbed your mind, and you are quite convinced that the locket Miss Stuart wears belonged to that lady. There is a probable connection here which, if it can be established, will mean much to Miss Stuart. Her affairs are in my hands, and naturally I am very much interested in this. Now, Joe, you don't know me. Betty does. Will you take her word as surety for my honourableness, and tell me frankly all I may ask?' Joe looked very intently at me while I was speaking. Then he laid down the pistol and emery-cloth with a suddenness and determination which plainly told me that his yea would be yea, and his nay, nay. 'Mr Russell,' he said earnestly, 'I have always sworn by Nathan's Betty; she swears by you in everything. If any information I can give will be of service to Miss Stuart you're welcome to it, and I'll answer truthfully whatever you ask.' 'Thank you, Joe. I know you will. Well, first of all, who was Mrs Stuart?' 'She was the wife of Major Stuart of my old regiment, the 25th.' 'Do you remember his full name?' 'Yes, sir. It was Major Sommerville Stuart of Abereran, Perthshire.' 'Where did they live together as husband and wife?' 'Well, sir, it was like this. You see--eh--well, perhaps I had better tell you what I know in my own way--some pointed questions are not easily answered.' I nodded. 'All right, Joe; just as you wish,' I replied.