“Haynes had few intimates. He was a quick and keen judge of men, and you seem to have inspired a strong confidence. There is a peculiar request attached. He asks that you use all your influence to guard Miss Johnston against making any marriage under conditions which you could not approve for the woman you loved best in the world.” “God helping me, I will!” said Dick solemnly. “As for the circumstances of Haynes’ death, the stories I heard are too wild for credence.” “So are the facts,” said Dick briefly. “Eldon Smith came down on the train with me. There is no keener mind in the newspaper business than his. Of course, he comes to represent his paper at Haynes’ funeral. The managing editor and others of the staff will be down to-morrow. Meantime, I think Smith will be investigating. Perhaps you will tell him what you know.” To the two newspaper men Dick Colton recited the facts. Smith took an occasional note, and left with the brief comment: “I’ve never come across anything like this before. If Mr. Haynes couldn’t make it out, there isn’t much chance for anyone else. But I’ll do my best.” After the close of the interview, Everard Colton came into Dick’s room. “Good Heavens, Ev,” said Dick. “You look ten years older. Brace yourself up, man.” “Dick,” said his brother, “I’ve given up. I see now I was a fool to think I ever could win Helga. I’m going to stick by her until this thing is over, and then I’ll go back.” “Don’t be too sure,” began Dick; but checked himself, remembering his promise to the girl. “That is what Dolly said,” replied the other hopelessly. “But I’ve had my eyes opened. I know now what sort of fellow Haynes really was. How could a man such as I win out against that kind of man?” “Anyway,” said Dick, “Helga needs you at this time; you and Miss Ravenden. You won’t leave now, Ev.” “Oh, I’ll stand by,” came the weary answer. “I don’t mean to whine; but I’ll be glad when I can get away. Even if I thought there was any chance—Oh, a fellow can’t fight the dead; it’s too cowardly!” “Ev,” said Dick affectionately, “you don’t know—How is she now?” he asked, breaking off suddenly. “Just the same. Mr. Melbourne saw her for a few minutes, and brought her some old letters of Haynes’. She has them, but we can’t rouse her to read them.” “Has Miss Ravenden told her of Haynes’ illness?” “What illness? Dolly’s been trying to tell her something; but Helga doesn’t seem to comprehend.” “She will come out of that daze presently,” said Dick. “You’d better go back to her, Ev.” Late that evening Eldon Smith knocked at Dick’s door, and found Dick talking with Professor Ravenden. “It certainly is the most extraordinary case in my experience,” said the young reporter. “So many people had wallowed all over the place before I got there that there was nothing to be had from the sand, except two trampled remains of those remarkable tracks. You are sure there were no footprints?” “Absolutely,” replied the professor and Colton in a breath.