The Red-headed Man. Fergus Hume

face, which had changed from white to red, and then back again, assumed an expression of profound astonishment. "A woman!" he repeated. "Murdered by a woman! Impossible! I thought----" Here he checked himself on observing the attentive attitude of his auditors. "Is the woman in custody," he asked calmly.

      "No," replied Torry, who had noted the hesitation of the young man. "She is dead also."

      "Dead also," repeated Leighbourne--"but not murdered?"

      "Yes; she was stabbed to the heart by some unknown man."

      "Has he been arrested?"

      Darrel could not forbear a dry laugh. "If he had been arrested, Mr. Leighbourne, he would not be unknown. No; the murderer escaped, and we have come to ask you to assist us to find him."

      Leighbourne resumed his seat with what appeared to be an air of relief. "I!" he murmured. "Good Heavens, gentlemen, how can I possibly assist you?"