He ventured upon thin ice once or twice most carefully, but the information obtained was infinitesimal, although it bore to some extent on the problem confronting him.

The Colonel innocently lifted the veil slightly, permitting him to learn that this was a week-end party, and that Miss Coolidge was the mistress of the place, her parents having been dead for two years.

Percival Coolidge, her father's brother, and a manufacturer in the city, was her guardian, and the affairs of the estate were not yet entirely liquidated.

West drew the impression that Colonel LeFranc possessed a rather low opinion of the uncle, although he was careful to choose his words.

Beyond this he apparently knew nothing of the family history, which he felt at liberty to communicate.