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Rh the hall this morning, and when she stopped you she said she wished it had been you. What did she mean by that remark, Miss Chalmers?"

"That it had been me whom she dropped instead of Rannie, I imagine," Cissie flashed resentfully. "Aunt Effie is always like that when you say one word against Rannie."

"You say he is an invalid. Is he weak physically?"

"His spine troubles him a great deal at times, and he cannot walk very far; but he has tremendous strength in his hands and arms. He used to pinch us black and blue when he was in a temper as a child." Cissie halted suddenly, and when she spoke again there was a rising note of apprehension in her tones. "Why are you asking me all these questions about him. Sergeant Odell? Surely you don't suspect him of—of—"

"Do you, Miss Chalmers?" He shot the question at her; and she tossed her head indignantly, but not before he had seen her quail.

"Certainly not! How dare you insinuate such a thing! My brother a—murderer? You must be mad!" Her voice rose shrilly and then broke, and she sank into her chair and covered her face with both hands. "Oh, I don't know what to think! Some one of us must know! I am afraid—afraid!"