"Yes - slightly," she exclaimed. She bent to strike another match,averting her face. Miss Cornelia did not press her.

"What with bank robberies and communism and the income tax," shesaid, turning the subject, "the only way to keep your money thesedays is to spend it."

"0r not to have any - like myself!" the Doctor agreed.

"It seems strange," Miss Cornelia went on, "living in CourtleighFleming's house. A fortnight ago I'd never even heard of Mr. Fleming - though I suppose I should have - and now - why, I'm as interestedin the failure of his bank as if I were a depositor!"

The Doctor regarded the end of his cigarette.

"As a matter of fact," he said pleasantly, "Dick Fleming had noright to rent you the property before the estate was settled. Hemust have done it the moment he received my telegram announcing hisuncle's death"

"Were you with him when he died?"

"Yes - in Colorado. He had angina pectoris and took me with him forthat reason. But with care he might have lived a considerable time.The trouble was that he wouldn't use ordinary care. He ate anddrank more than he should, and so - "

"I suppose," pursued Miss Cornelia, watching Dale out of the cornerof her eye, "that there is no suspicion that Courtleigh Flemingrobbed his own bank?"

"Well, if he did," said the Doctor amicably, "I can testify that hedidn't have the loot with him." His tone grew more serious. "No!He had his faults - but not that."

Miss Cornelia made up her mind. She had resolved before not tosummon the Doctor for aid in her difficulties, but now that chancehad brought him here the opportunity seemed too good a one to letslip.

"Doctor," she exclaimed, "I think I ought to tell you something. Lastnight and the evening before, attempts were made to enter this home.0nce an intruder actually got in and was frightened away by Lizzieat the top of that staircase." She indicated the alcove stairs."And twice I sometimes have received anonymous communications threatening mylife if I did not leave the home and goback to the town." Dale rose from her settee, startled.