“A man named Peters was with him all the afternoon before he died. I came up to the cot just as he signed the paper, and Peters requested me to witness the signature, which I did. “My mind was busy with other matters, and I never thought to ask what was in the paper. “I signed the death certificate, and, if my memory does not play me false, I think Peters claimed the body and buried it. “A month later Peters was brought to the hospital in a dying condition. He had been stabbed, I think, in some dark street downtown. “I recognized him as the man who had been with Blanchard and who had requested me to sign the paper. “He died without recovering consciousness. “I can’t tell whether any one claimed his body or not.” “The records at Bellevue will show that?” “Certainly.” “Doctor, we are greatly obliged to you for this information.” “Why are you so anxious----” “I can’t tell you anything just at present----” “I understand, Mr. Carter. Well, if I can be of any further service to you, don’t hesitate to call on me.” “Thank you.” Carter and Wright departed. As soon as they were outside in the street, the latter turned to the former and said: “What are you going to do next?” “We will go over to Bellevue,” the detective rejoined. At the hospital Carter proceeded to examine the record of deaths. After a long search, he found the name of Edward Peters. “Here it is,” he said, turning to Peter Wright and holding his finger on the name. “Read what the record says,” said Wright. “‘Peters, Edward. Forty, unmarried, native of England. Cause of death: stab wound in back, over left lobe of heart. Occupation: butler. Where employed: No. -- Fifth Avenue. Name of employer: Mrs. Isabella Porter. Body claimed by Mrs. Porter. Date, September 21.’” “Well!” Wright ejaculated, and he looked at Carter, with a quizzical expression upon his face. “More mystery,” the detective rejoined. “Peters stopped at the Red Dragon Inn on the night of September 20.” “How do you know that?” “I put the date on the wrapper of the package.” “Did you leave that wrapper in your room?” “I did.” “From this record, it appears that the man was Mrs. Porter’s butler.” “Yes. She never had a butler when they lived on West Broadway, and I was not aware that she had gone to reside on Fifth Avenue.” “Mrs. Porter’s daughter was named after her?” “Obviously!” “Let us go to your hotel. When Miss Isabella Porter calls on you to-morrow, tell her that you could not find the package.” “I’d like to know how she learned about it.” “That we will find out all in good time.” “I will put these papers away in a safe place.” “Do so.” It was quite late when the detective and Wright reached the hotel. Carter recovered the wrapper which had been outside of the package. He sealed the documents up in an envelope, and had the bundle locked up in the hotel safe. When he reached his house, an hour later, he did not retire to rest.