“Why, yes, mother, of course I do,” the girl replied. “How could you forget? He is the famous detective whom the lawyers have engaged to take up the case for poor Godfrey. Tell him that we will see him at once, Williamson, and show him in here.” A few moments later Burrell made his appearance and bowed to the two ladies. That he was not at all the sort of individual they had expected to see was evident from the expressions upon their faces. “Doubtless, ladies, you have heard my name and the business upon which I am engaged,” he said, by way of introducing himself. They acknowledged that they had done so, and when they had invited him to be seated, inquired what success he had so far met with. He shook his head cautiously. “In these sort of cases you must not expect to succeed all at once,” he said. Then observing the look upon their faces he added: “You see, Mrs. Henderson, a big case, unless the evidence is very clear and straightforward, is not unlike a Chinese puzzle, being a lot of little pieces cut out of one big block. Well, all the little cubes are tipped out upon the floor in confusion, and before you can begin to put them together it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the rough outlines of the parts and to make yourself acquainted with the sizes, shapes, and numbers of the pieces you have to work with. That done you can begin your work of putting them together.” “Mr. Burrell is quite right, mother,” Kitty remarked. “We must be patient and not expect too much at first. We ourselves know that Godfrey is innocent, and Mr. Burrell will very soon demonstrate it to the world, I am very sure.” Then turning to the detective she continued: “Since you have spared the time to come down here, it is only natural to suppose that you desire to ask us questions. If so, please do not hesitate to put them. My mother and I will--only too thankfully--do all that lies in our power to assist you in your work.” “Well, miss,” said Burrell, “I won’t deny that there are certain questions I should like to put to you. In the meantime, however, if you will allow me, I’ll just take a walk round the place, and if I have your permission to enter your brother’s rooms, it’s just possible I may be able to find something that will be of advantage to him there.” “Go where you please,” said Mrs. Henderson. “Heaven knows at such a time we should place no restrictions upon any one. If you can save my poor boy--I shall be grateful to you forever.” “Be sure, madam, I will do my best. I can’t say more.” Kitty rose from her chair. “Perhaps it would be better for me to show you my brother’s studio first,” she said. “Will you come with me?”