"
"Will you take up my case?"
"Can you doubt it? Do you think I would throw aside the most remarkable
criminal puzzle I have ever tackled?"
"Mr. Brett, I cannot find words to thank you. If you succeed--and you
inspire me with confidence--Helen and I will strive to merit your lifelong
friendship."
"Miss Layton knows the whole of your story, of course?"
"Yes; she and my father only. I must inform you that I had never heard the
full reason of the duel between the first Sir Alan and his nephew. But my
father knew it fairly well, and the details fitted in exactly with my
vision. I can hardly call it a dream."
"What was the nephew's name?"
"David Hume!"
Brett jumped up, and paced about the room.
"These coincidences defy analysis," he exclaimed. "Your Christian name is
David. Your surname joins both families. Why, the thing is a romance of
the wildest sort."
"Unhappily, it has a tragic side for me."
"Yes; the story cannot end here. You and your _fiancee_ have suffered.
Miss Layton must be a very estimable young lady--one worth winning. She
will be a true and loyal wife."
"Do you think you will be able to solve the riddle? Someone murdered my
cousin."
"That is our only solid fact at present. The family tradition is passing
strange, but it will not serve in a court of law. I may fail, for the
first time, but I will try hard.
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