n of Anne's guilt. Morley still
believed that the governess had committed the crime and asked after her
at the outset of the interview.

"Have you found her?" he asked, just as Mrs. Parry had done.

Giles knew quite well of whom he was speaking. "No, I have not," he
answered; "and if I had I certainly should not tell you."

"As you please," replied the little man complacently; "you will never
see the truth."

"It is not the truth. But see here, Morley, what is the use of our
discussing this matter? You believe Miss Denham to be guilty. I am
certain that she is innocent. Let the difference between us rest there.
Still, if I could prove the innocence of Miss Denham----"

"I should be more than delighted," responded Morley quickly, "and would
make all the amends in my power for my unjust suspicions. But you have
first to prove them unjust. Believe me, Ware, I admired Miss Denham as
much as my wife did, and thought much of her. I defended her from poor
Daisy's aspersions, and would have stood her friend all through but for
this last act of hers. Well! Well, don't get angry. I am willing to be
shown that I am wrong. Show me."

Giles reflected for a moment, then went straight to the point.

"I have been with Steel," he said abruptly, "and he tells me that you
have been in the detective line yourself."

Morley nodded. "Quite so," he answered, "although I asked Steel to say
nothing about it. I am a private gentleman now, and I don't want my
former occupation to be known in Rickwell. A prejudice exists against
detectives, Ware. People don't like them, because every one has
something to conceal, and with a trained man he or she is afraid lest
some secret sin should come to light."

"It may be so, although that is rather a cynical way of looking at the
matter. But you are really Joe Bart?"

"Yes. And quite at your service. Only keep this quiet."

"Certainly. I quite appreciate your reasons for wanting the matter kept
quiet. But see here, Mr. Morley--I shall call you so."

"It will be better," replied the ex-detective cheerfully, "and I have a
sort of right to the name. It was my mother's."

"Very good. Then as Morley why should you not exercise your old skill
and help me to find out who killed Daisy?"

"I should be delighted, and what skill remains to me is at your service.
But I am rusty now, and cannot follow a trail with my old persistence or
talent. Besides, my mind is made up as to the guilt----"

"Yes, yes,