“Yes; far beyond, indeed. You carried me back to 1763, but Heaven alone knows when you will end.”
“Will you take up my case?”
“Can you doubt it? Do you think I would throw aside the most remarkable criminal puzzle I have ever tackled?”
“Mr. Brett, I cannot find words to thank you. If you succeed—and you inspire me with confidence—Helen and I will strive to merit your lifelong friendship.”
“Miss Layton knows the whole of your story, of course?”
“Yes; she and my father only. I must inform you that I had never heard the full reason of the duel between the first Sir Alan and his nephew. But my father knew it fairly well, and the details fitted in exactly with my vision. I can hardly call it a dream.”
“What was the nephew’s name?”
“David Hume!”
Brett jumped up, and paced about the room.
“These coincidences defy analysis,” he exclaimed. “Your Christian name is David. Your surname joins both families. Why, the thing is a romance of the wildest sort.”