"Ever speak of suicide?"
Mason assumed a very mysterious air, bent near the detectives and replied:
"Yes! Several times. And I fear he has kept his threat at last."
The Bradys were startled at this unexpected reply.
CHAPTER V.
THE PICTURE ON THE WALL.
Ronald Mason was keenly watching the effect his words produced upon the detectives, and he noted their looks of astonishment.
When Old King Brady recovered from the shock, he demanded:
"Can you tell me why your uncle contemplated suicide?"
"Yes. He was afflicted with an incurable disease. He never told any one about it except me. He had the consumption."