The Agony Column

Colonel Hughes laid his hand on the boy's shoulder, and the latter went

on: "They reached me--those frightful insinuations about Stephen--in a

round about way; and when he came home from India I resolved to watch

him. I saw him go often to the house of this woman. I satisfied myself

that she was the same one involved in the stories coming from Rangoon;

then, under another name, I managed to meet her. I hinted to her that

I myself was none too loyal; not completely, but to a limited extent,

I won her confidence. Gradually I became convinced that my brother was

indeed disloyal to his country, to his name, to us all. It was at

that tea time you have mentioned when I finally made up my mind. I had

already bought a revolver; and, with it in my pocket, I went to the

Savoy for dinner."

He rose and paced the floor.

"I left the Savoy early and went to Stephen's rooms. I was resolved to

have it out with him, to put the matter to him bluntly; and if he had

no explanation to give me I intended to kill him then and there. So, you

see, I was guilty in intention if not in reality. I entered his study.

It was filled with strangers. On his sofa I saw my brother Stephen

lying--stabbed above the heart--dead!" There was a moment's silence.

"That is all," said Lieutenant Fraser-Freer.

"I take it," said Hughes kindly, "that we have finished with the

lieutenant. Eh, Inspector?"

"Yes," said Bray shortly. "You may go."

"Thank you," the boy answered. As he went out he said brokenly to

Hughes: "I must find him--my father."

Bray sat in his chair, staring hard ahead, his jaw thrust out angrily.

Suddenly he turned on Hughes.

"You don't play fair," he said. "I wasn't told anything of the status of

the captain at the War Office. This is all news to me."

"Very well," smiled Hughes. "The bet is off if you like."

"No, by heaven!" Bray cried. "It's still on, and I'll win it yet. A fine

morning's work I suppose you think you've done. But are we any nearer to

finding the murderer? Tell me that."

"Only a bit nearer, at any rate," replied Hughes suavely. "This lady, of

course, remains in custody."

"Yes, yes," answered the inspector. "Take her away!" he ordered.

A constable came forward for the countess and Colonel Hughes gallantly

held open the door.