A Chain of Evidence

“Oh, Doctor Masterson,” she cried, “come in quickly, and see what the matter is with Uncle Robert! He looks so strange, and I’m afraid he’s…” She seemed suddenly to realize our presence, or perhaps she noticed the staring face of the elevator boy, for she left unfinished whatever she had been about to say, and, still clutching the doctor’s coat, urged him toward her own door. I did not presume to speak to Miss Pembroke, but I could not resist an impulse that made me say to the doctor: “If I can be of any assistance, pray call upon me.” There was no time for response, I was not even sure the doctor heard me…but I turned back with Laura into our own apartment. “Something has happened,” I said to her, “and I think I’ll wait a bit.” “Do,” said my sister. “It may be we can be of assistance to that poor girl. If her uncle has a serious attack of any kind she will certainly want help.” I looked at Laura with admiring affection, I saw at once she had realized Miss Pembroke was in serious trouble of some sort, and her true womanly heart went out to the girl, forgetting entirely her previous dislike and suspicion. Almost immediately our door-bell rang, and, feeling sure it was a summons in response to my offer, I opened the door myself. Sure enough, there stood the elderly doctor, looking very much perturbed. “You kindly offered your assistance, sir,” he said, “or I should not intrude. I want immediate help. Mr. Pembroke is dead, Miss Pembroke has fainted, and their servant is so nearly in hysterics she is of no use whatever.”