"Put them together."

In a few moments, a large platform like a flooring, with a planed surface, and grooved tightly together, was spread out upon the grass.

"Empty the contents of the coffin on that," said the chief.

This was immediately done.

"Three of you watch the proceedings. Keep your eyes constantly upon the work. Rountree and Baker may carefully examine the whole mass."

The chief's orders were obeyed to the letter. In a few moments, the officer addressed as Rountree, offered to the chief a jack-knife. The blade was so completely rusted that it was almost part of the handle. No effort was made to open it.

"Was that in the heap?" said the chief, not touching it.

"It was, sir," said Rountree.

“Place a mark upon it that you may be able to recognize it again. Gentlemen, you may all notice what the mark is," said the chief.

This order was obeyed.

"Now, Mr. Rountree, will you please clean the handle of that knife as well as you can?"

This order was also obeyed.

"Examine the knife carefully, and see if

any marks upon it," said the chief.

"I do sir," said Rountree.

"What?" said the chief.

you

find

"The letters 'R. S.' cut in rather a curious style."

"Are you sure?" said the chief.

"I am, sir," replied Rountree.

"Baker, put your mark also upon that knife."

"Mr. Kountree, you will keep that knife in your possession, ready to produce it when you receive my orders to do so."

"Continue the examination."

Neither Mr. Mortimer, nor the chief, betrayed surprise when the letters upon the knife handle were read, although both saw an almost certain solution to the mystery attending the disappearance of the clergyman. Nothing further was found among the contents of the coffin. When the examination was finished, the dirt, stones, etc., were ordered to be replaced in the coffin, and the whole put into the condition it was before being opened.

Chief M-1 then placed his private seal upon the box, and delivered it into the charge of two police officers, with orders to convey it to New York.

XXXV.

A Council of War.

On the afternoon of the same day the coffin was exhumed, the following conversation occurred at the law office of J. S. Taylor, Esquire.

"There is not sufficient testimony upon which to arrest James Mordaunt; but I think we had better immediately arrest Robert Shank, and charge him with the murder of John Furnace," said Mr. Taylor. "What is your opinion, Mr. Mortimer ?"

"Too soon.

Strike when the iron is hot, not before," replied Mr. Mortimer. "Our friend there,

Chief M-1, has set on foot an investigation which must consume time, but which will, doubtless, eventually result in obtaining some further valuable testimony.'

"Yes, it will take time, as I have given orders for every undertaker in New York to be brought to examine the box and coffin, with the hope that we may find some one who can identify it."

"In that case, you will have to watch this Shank with great care," suggested Mr. Taylor.

"Better run that risk than have him escape for want of testimony. He can't be tried but once for the same offence," said Mr. Mortimer.

"He will find it impossible to escape from an arrest, unless his suspicions are aroused," said the chief.

"It appears to me safe to arrest him," suggested Mr. Thomas Griswold, who had also been invited to attend this council.

"You are correct, Mr. Griswold, so far as Robert Shank is concerned; but you will doubtless perceive that Shank's arrest will put the greater game on guard. It will be a difficult task to connect James Mordaunt with the murder of John Furnace if his suspicions are aroused. He will not rest easy when Shank is arraigned for the murder which he planned," said Mr. Mortimer.

"I agree with you, Mr. Mortimer," said Mr. Taylor.

"Mr. Mortimer's advice is best," said Mr. Griswold. "What say you, Chief M- -1?"

"For a still weightier reason, Mr. Mortimer's advice seems to me best to be followed, gentlemen. Mr. Griswold, did your father's house burn a few days before Mr. Griswold's failure?" asked the chief. "It did, sir."

"Then it is more than probable that Robert Shank is the incendiary who kindled that fire," said the chief. If we can trace Shank that night, we may obtain another important circumstance in this chain of evidence. I have heard that one of the fire companies elected you as an honorary member of their company, for your good qualities, as a bold man, on that occasion. What is the number of that company?"

"No. 20, sir."

The chief made a minute of this answer in his memorandum-book.

"I am perfectly satisfied," said Mr. Taylor, “that the iron must be heated hotter."

"Gentlemen, I move an adjournment of this council for one week," said the chief. "Mr. Mortimer, your presence in the city must be kept carefully concealed from James Mordaunt."

"I shall leave for home by this evening's train, sir," said Mr. Mortimer.

"And will return".

"One week from to-day, Mr. M-1, without fail," replied Mr. Mortimer.