"and to my mind the
clearer is the case against Merrill."

"With this reservation," interrupted the other, "that you have to
account for the movements of Mr. Rex Holland, who comes on the scene ten
minutes after Frank Merrill arrives and who leaves his car. He leaves
his car for a very excellent reason," he went on. "Sergeant Smith, who
runs away to get assistance, meets two men of the Sussex constabulary,
hurrying in response to Wiseman's whistle. One of them stands by the
car, and the other comes into the house. It was, therefore, impossible
for the murderer to make use of the car. Here is another point I would
have you explain."

He had hoisted himself on the edge of his desk, and sat, an amusing
little figure, his legs swinging a foot from the ground.

"The revolver used was a big Webley, not an easy thing to carry or
conceal about your person, and undoubtedly brought to the scene of the
crime by the man in the car. You will say that Merrill, who wore an
overcoat, might have easily brought it in his pocket; but the absolute
proof that that could not have been the case is that on his arrival by
train from London, Mr. Merrill lost his ticket and very carefully
searched himself, a railway inspector assisting, to discover the bit of
pasteboard. He turned out everything he had in his pocket in the
inspector's presence, and his overcoat--the only place where he could
have concealed such a heavy weapon--was searched by the inspector
himself."

The detective nodded.

"It is a very difficult case," he agreed, "and one in which I've no
great heart; for, to be absolutely honest, my views are that while it
might have been Merrill, the balance of proof is that it was not. That
is, of course, my unofficial view, and I shall work pretty hard to
secure a conviction."

"I am sure you will," said Mr. Mann heartily.

"Must the case go into the court?" asked the girl anxiously.

"There is no other way for it," replied the officer. "You see, we have
arrested him, and unless something turns up the magistrate must commit
him for trial on the evidence we have secured."

"Poor Frank!" she said softly.

"It is rough on him, if he is innocent," agreed Nash, "but it is lucky
for him if he's guilty. My experience of crime and criminals is that it
is generally the obvious man who commits that crime; only once in fifty
years is he innocent, whether he is acquitted or whether he is found
guilty."

He offered his hand to Mr. Mann.