asphyxiation, the medical evidence tending to show that he had died from the effects of some poisonous gas. Yet whence came the gas and how was it administered? The sanitary authorities, whom we called in, declared, after a very careful examination, that all the drains were in the most excellent repair, so we simply didn't know what to think. My brother, who had imbibed mysticism in India, at length came to the conclusion that there was some curse on us. He said that my father had on several occasions spoken very gloomily about the parents' sins being visited on their children, and I, too, had noticed that my father at times was very despondent; but I had attributed this despondency merely to moodiness, and at the time pooh-poohed my brother's suggestion that there existed a mystery--something sinister in connection with some member of our own family. But since then I have altered my opinion, for my brother, who inherited the property, has also been found dead--killed by the same diabolical agency that for some unknown reason brought about the deaths of my mother and father. The Caspar Beeches is now mine, Mr. Wildbridge, and I have come to ask you what I had better do." "You think, of course, that you may share the fate of your mother, father, and brother?" I asked. "I think it extremely likely," he replied. "You are the only one left in your family?" "Yes," he said, "the only one." "And what are your plans with regard to the Caspar Beeches?" I inquired. "Do you think of residing there?" "I haven't made up my mind," he replied; "that is one of the points upon which I want your advice. I want to know what you think about these deaths. Do you think they were due to some as yet undiscovered physical cause, as, for instance, some unknown disease, or some gas the sanitary authorities have not been able to trace--or, to the superphysical?" "I can form no opinion at present," I replied; "I must first have more details. But from what you have said, I think this case presents some novel and very extraordinary features. I should like to see the house. By the way, you haven't told me your name." "Mansfield," the young man said--"Eldred Mansfield." "The son of Sir Thomas Mansfield, the Bornean explorer?" "Yes." "Then you are the present baronet?" The young man nodded. "And in the event of your death," I remarked, "to whom do the title and estates revert?" "I believe to some distant relative," Sir Eldred replied. "I cannot say definitely, for I have never inquired. I have no first cousins, and I know nothing about any others." "That is rather odd," I observed, "not to know who succeeds you. Now, tell me--of whom does your household at the Caspar Beeches consist?" "The butler Parry, his wife, who is housekeeper, and four other servants." "Have the Parrys been with you long?" "About four years." "Do you like them?"