The young man shook his head. If he was denying any knowledge he possessed, then he was a most wonderful actor. Perhaps Kirk himself had lied to me! Yet I remembered that towards him Antonio had always been most humble and servile. I tried to discern any motive Langton could have to disclaim knowledge of the mysterious Kirk. But I failed to see any. As far as I could gather, my companion was not acquainted with the man whom I had so foolishly allowed to escape from the house. Yet had not Kirk himself expressed a fear at meeting him? Had he not told me plainly that by mere mention of his name to that young man, all hope of solving the enigma would be at an end? Perhaps, after all, I had acted very injudiciously in admitting my knowledge of Kirk. For aught I knew my remarks might now have aroused further suspicion in his mind concerning myself. Yet was not the temptation to put the question too great to be resisted? At my suggestion we again ascended the stairs, and re-entered the forbidden chamber. I gave as an excuse that I was curious to examine some of the delicate apparatus which the Professor used in his experiments. My real reason, however, was again to examine those ashes before the furnace. Circumstances, fortunately, favoured me, for almost as soon as we were inside the laboratory we heard the telephone bell ringing out upon the landing. "I wonder who's ringing up?" Langton exclaimed quickly. "I'll go and see," and he hurried away to the study where I had noticed the instrument stood upon a small side-table near the window. The moment he had gone I bent swiftly and poked over the dust and ashes with my hand. Yes! Among them were several small pieces of cloth and linen only half-consumed, some scraps of clothing, together with a silver collar-stud, blackened by fire. I feared lest my companion should observe the unusual interest I was taking in the furnace-refuse, therefore I cleaned my hand quickly with my handkerchief and followed him. He had his ear to the telephone, still listening, when I entered the study. Then he placed the receiver upon its hook, for the person with whom he had been conversing had evidently gone. Turning, with his eyes fixed upon mine, he made in a few clear words an announcement which fell upon my ears like a thunderbolt. I believe I fell back as though I had been struck a blow. By that plain, simple declaration of his, the dark vista of doubt and mystery became instantly enlarged a thousand-fold. I stood staring blankly at the young man, absolutely refusing to believe my own ears. What he told me was beyond all credence. CHAPTER ELEVEN. THE STORM GATHERS. "I've just been speaking to Ethelwynn," Langton said. "She's down at Broadstairs." "At Broadstairs!" I echoed, staring straight at my companion.