"Do you think that disappointment, and other troubles, might have induced him to take his own life?"
"No, no, no; I couldn't believe that for one moment. My son has faced death too often—has risked his life in a good cause, and would never throw it away like a coward. I know how brave he is, what a strong will he has—a will strong enough to overcome difficulties. It was like him to think of Klondyke when he was ruined."
"Did you know that he was in Algiers with Miss Delmaine last February?"
"Not till I read the report of Lady Perivale's libel suit. I thought he had broken with her finally two years ago, and I believe at the time he had. I need not tell you that I did not obtain my knowledge of that unhappy connection from my son himself. You will understand a mother's keen anxiety, and that I had other sources of information."
"Yes, madam, I can understand. I do not think I need give you any further trouble to-day; but if you will oblige me with your son's photograph—a recent likeness—it may be of use in this matter."
"Yes, I can give you his photograph, taken last year."
Mrs. Rannock opened a velvet case on the table next her chair, and the wasted white hands trembled ever so faintly as she took out a cabinet photograph and gave it to Faunce.
"Thank you, madam. I shall wait upon you again directly I have any fresh information; but I must warn you that an inquiry of this kind is apt to be very slow; and I fear you can give me no suggestion as to where to look for Colonel Rannock in the event of his having changed his mind and not gone to Klondyke."
"No, no; I cannot think that he would change his mind. He was with me the day before he started, full of hope and excitement. He was enthusiastic about the wild life in Alaska, and would not listen to my fears and objections. Oh! Mr. Faunce, if anything evil has happened to him, these grey hairs will go down in sorrow to the grave."
Again the uncontrollable tears welled into her eyes. She rose, and Faunce took the movement as his dismissal.