a verdict that the death of this gentleman has resulted from natural causes, or whether you think it wiser to return an open verdict of `Found dead,' and leave all further inquiries in the hands of the police." Those in Court stirred again uneasily. There had been breathless silence while the Coroner had been speaking save for the rustling of the paper and "flimsies" used by the reporters, and the departure of one or two uniformed messenger-lads carrying "copy" to the evening journals for use in their special editions. The foreman of the jury turned to his fellow-jurymen and inquired whether they desired to consult in private. But all were of one opinion, and without leaving the room returned a verdict of "Found dead." At the club that night everybody read the evening papers, and in the smoking-room everybody propounded his own view of the mystery. Some were of opinion that their friend had fallen a victim of foul play, while others who, like myself, had noticed his recent depressed spirits and inert attitude, were inclined to think that he had taken his own life in a fit of despondency. They declared that he had sent Ash out on a fool's errand in order to be alone, and that the blank note was really nothing at all. The only argument against that theory was the fact that I had found the door leading to his chambers open. This was incompatible with the idea that he had deliberately taken his own life. As the person who had made the startling discovery, I was, of course, questioned on every hand regarding all the minor details of the terrible scene. The men who held the opinion that he had been murdered desired to make out that the furniture had been disturbed, but having very carefully noted everything, I was able to flatly contradict them. Thus the evening passed with that one single subject under discussion--the murder of the man who had been so popular amongst us, and whom we had all held in such high esteem. Next morning, near noon, while reading the paper beside my own fire, Simes entered, saying-- "There's Ash, sir, would like to see you." "Show him in," I exclaimed at once, casting the paper aside, and an instant later the dead man's valet made his appearance, pale and agitated. "Well, Ash," I said, "what's the matter?" "I'm a bit upset, sir; that's all." And he panted from the effort of ascending the stairs. Therefore, I motioned him to a seat. "Well, have the police visited your master's rooms again?" "No, sir. They haven't been again," he replied. "But I made a thorough examination last night, and I wish you'd come round with me, if you'd be so kind, sir. I know you were my master's best friend, and I'm sure you won't let this affair rest, will you?" "Certainly not," I answered in surprise. "But why do you wish me to go with you?" "I want to ask your opinion on something." "What have you discovered?"