"I can't do that until I get my facts together," said Bess firmly, "Look here Dr. Jim, I intend to find out the truth about this mystery. From something the Colonel let drop, I believe it is concerned with the money he came back with." "From South America?" "Or from North America," replied Miss Endicotte musingly, "I am not quite clear. But I'll ask you to help me when I get my facts together." "You rouse my curiosity. Tell me now what you----" "I said no and I mean no," retorted Bess setting her mouth firmly. "You will be here for some time yet. If you go away I shall write to you. I am sure we shall find out who killed the Colonel, and I am equally sure that Frisco is not the man." "Well. Have it your own way. Tell me one thing. How is it the Colonel was so anxious about the preservation of his body?" "Ah! Now you are asking more than I can tell you." "You know though," said Jim looking at her sharply. "I think--I am not sure. Wait, Dr. Jim. In good time you shall know all that I know. This is a romance in real life." "A tragedy rather," said Herrick grimly, "mind you keep your promise." "You can be sure I shall keep it," said Bess nodding and for the time being the matter ended. But Jim was considerably puzzled. How she could have got hold of information of which the police knew nothing was difficult to say. All the same he had more confidence in the brains of Bess than in those of Inspector Bridge. As it was Saturday afternoon, the workmen had knocked off for the day. By this time the tower was half demolished, and curious it looked in its dilapidated state, with the pile of débris round about its base. The visitors looked at it for some time, then went into the house. In the kitchen off the dining-room they found an old woman who agreed to boil the kettle for them. After some deliberation they fixed on the library as the best place for the meal. On entering they found a boy reading in the corner under the window. "You here Sidney?" said Ida amazed. "How can you come here without asking Stephen's permission?"