He had two children, who would be, respectively, about four and one years of age when his--we'll call it misfortune--happened.

That's a fact!" "First I ever heard of it, then," said Glassdale.

"And that's a fact, too!" "He'd also a very close friend named Ransford--Mark Ransford," continued Bryce.

"This Ransford was best man at Brake's wedding." "Never heard him speak of Ransford, nor of any wedding!" affirmed Glassdale.

"All news to me, doctor." "This Ransford is now in practice in Wrychester," said Bryce.