largely in the dark as to what they proposed doing. All he knew was
that Frederick had made a will disinheriting him; that he left the
College Club with this document in his pocket, and intended later to
take a night train."

She paused, turning the letter over in her hands, and the men seemed to
draw closer in the intensity of their interest.

"Some of what I say I learned from this letter," she went on quietly,
"and some I merely deduce from the circumstances. I believe the boy
went home half mad, his only thought being to destroy that will. In
this state of mind, and fortified by drink, he stole later into
Frederick's apartments. I don't believe the boy actually intended to
murder his cousin, but he did intend to stun him with a blow from
behind, seize the paper, and escape unseen. It was a wild,
hare-brained project, but he was only a boy, half drunk, worked into
frenzy by Celeste La Rue. He got into the room--probably through the
bath-room window--unobserved, but after Frederick had departed. This
other man--Burke--was then at the table, running through the papers he
had taken from the safe, to see if any were of value. John, convinced
the man was his cousin, stole up behind him and struck him down. He
had no idea of the force of the blow delivered, and may even have left
the apartment without realising that the blow had been a fatal one.
Afterward there was nothing to do but keep still, and let matters take
their own course."

"And what happened then?"

"Naturally this: the La Rue woman wormed the truth out of him, and told
Enright. From that moment the boy was entirely in their hands. While
they remained in New York they helped him keep his nerve, but as soon
as he was left alone, he went entirely to pieces. He was no criminal,
merely a victim of circumstances. At last something happened to
frighten him into flight."

The four men straightened up as her voice ceased speaking. Then
Roberts laughed, as though ashamed of the breathless interest he had
exhibited.

"I guess she's got that doped out about right, Colgate," he said,
almost regretfully. "And it's clear enough that we are on the wrong
trail. Anyhow this man here isn't Tom Burke, although he would deceive
the very devil. What is it, landlord? Am I ready to eat? Just lead
the way, and I'll show you." He glanced about at the others. "Any of
you missed your supper? If so, we'd be glad to have your company."

"I'll accept the in