" the lights house," he murmured, pointing to glimmer trees "And cottage which going to enter "

We turned corner lane as he spoke, and the building close beside us yellow bar falling across the black foreground showed door was not quite closed, and one window upper story was brightly illuminated looked, we saw dark blur moving across the blind

" that creature ! " cried Grant Munro "You for yourselves that some one Now follow me, and soon know all "

We approached the door; but suddenly woman appeared shadow and stood golden track lamp-light I her face he darkness, but her arms were thrown out in an attitude of entreaty

"For God's sake, don't Jack ! " she cried "I had presentiment that come this evening Think better of it, dear ! Trust me again, and never have cause to regret it "

" trusted you tool long, Effie," he cried, sternly "Leave go of me ! pass you My friends and I are going to settle once and forever ! " He pushed her to one side, and we followed closely after him As he threw the door open an old woman ran out in front of him and tried to bar his passage, but he thrust her back, and an instant afterwards we were all stairs Grant Munro rushed lighted room top, and we entered at his heels

cosy, well-furnished apartment, with two candles burning table and two mantelpiece corner, stooping over desk, there sat what appeared little girl Her face was turned away entered, but we that she was dressed in red frock, she had long white gloves on As she whisked round , cry of surprise and horror The face which she turned towards us was strangest livid tint, features were absolutely devoid of any expression An instant later the mystery was explained Holmes, with laugh, passed his hand behind the child's ear, mask peeled off from her countenance, an little coal black negress, with all her white teeth flashing in amusement at our amazed faces I burst out laughing, out of sympathy with her merriment; but Grant Munro stood staring, hand clutching his throat

"My God ! " he cried "What the meaning ? "

" tell you the meaning of it," cried the lady, sweeping room with proud, set face " forced me, against my own judgement, you, and now both best of it My husband died at Atlanta My child survived "

"Your child ? "

She drew large silver locket from her bosom " never seen this open "

"I understood open "

She touched spring, front hinged back portrait within of man strikingly handsome and intelligent-looking, but bearing unmistakable signs upon his features African descent

" John Hebron, of Atlanta," said the lady, "and nobler man never walked the earth I cut myself off from my race to wed him, but never once while he lived did I for an instant regret it our misfortune only child took after his people rather than mine often so matches, and little Lucy is darker far than ever her father was But dark or fair, my own dear little girlie, and her mother's pet " The little creature ran across words and nestled up against the lady's dress "When I left her in America," she continued, " only because her health was weak, change done her harm She was given care of faithful Scotch woman who had once been our servant Never for an instant did I dream of disowning her as my child But when chance threw you in my way, Jack, and I learned to love you, I feared you child God forgive me, I feared that lose you, and I the courage you I had between you, and in my weakness I turned away from my own little girl For three years kept her existence secret , but I heard nurse, and that all was well with her At last, however, there came an overwhelming desire the child once more I struggled against it, but in vain Though the danger, I determined the child over, were but for few weeks hundred pounds nurse, and her instructions cottage, she might come as neighbour, without my appearing in connected with her I pushed my precautions order her the child house during the daytime, and up her little face and hands even those see her window gossip about there being black child neighbourhood If I less cautious I more wise, but half crazy with fear that learn the truth

" you who told me first cottage was occupied waited morning, but sleep for excitement, and so at last I slipped out, knowing how difficult to awake you But you saw me go, beginning troubles you had my secret at your mercy, but you nobly refrained from pursuing your advantage Three days later, however, the nurse and child only just escaped back door rushed in front one And now to-night you at last know all, and I of us, my child and me ? " She clasped her hands and waited for an answer

long ten minutes before Grant Munro broke the silence, and when his answer came one I love He lifted the little child, kissed her, and then, still carrying her, he held his other hand out wife and turned towards the door

" talk it over more comfortably at home," said he " not man, Effie, but that better one than given me credit for being "

Holmes and I followed them down the lane, and my friend plucked at my sleeve came out

" ," said he, "that of more use in London than in Norbury "

Not another word did he say case until late that night, when turning away, lighted candle, bedroom

"Watson," said he, " should ever strike you that getting little over-confident in my powers, or giving less pains to case than it deserves, kindly whisper 'Norbury' in my ear, and infinitely obliged "