A Romance from a Detective's Case-Bool.

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Dy Dick

DDONOVAN.

AAuthor of ** 1Te daw from Alanchester,” Tracked (o Doone,” *C Caught al Lase,” Ao Loisoied 2ty

Duncan 2’

T was a Ditter night in Decem- ber, now years ago, that a youny and handsome man called upon me in great distress, to seek my advice and assistance. It was the third day after

Christmas, and having dined, and dinced well, I had ensconced myself in my favourite easy chair, beforc a cheerful firc, and was engaged in the perusal of Charles Dickens's “ Cricket on the Hearth,” when my visitor was unceremoniously ushered into the room. lHc held his dripping hat in his hand, and the heavy top-coat hc wore was white with snow, which was falling heavily outside. He was well proportioned, of blonde complexion, and his facc at once attracted me by its frank, open expression. He had clear, honest cyes, and a gracclul moustache shaded a well-formed mouth.

“Pardon mc for intruding upon you,” he said, m a some- what excited tone, as he placed his wet hat on the table and began to pull off his thick woollen gloves; “hut the fact 15, T am m a e of mind bordering upon distraction. Tet me introducce mysclf; however. My name 1s Harold Welldom Kingsley ; Welldom being an old family name. I am the

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son of the late Admiral Kingsley, who, as vou may possibly be aware, distiguished himsclf greatly mthe serviee of his Queen and country.”

“Yes,” Tanswered. 1 knew your father by reputation, and I remember that when he dicd some years ago his remans were

MY VISITOR WAS UNCEREMONIGUSTY USHEREU INTC THE KOOM,