perfectly aware that the task before him was a difficult
one. To be himself convinced that Mr. Orcutt had been in possession of a
motive sufficient to account for, if not excuse, this horrible crime was
one thing; to find out that motive and make it apparent to the world was
another. But he was not discouraged. Summoning his two subordinates, he
laid the matter before them.

"I am convinced," said he, "that Mrs. Clemmens was a more important
person to Mr. Orcutt than her plain appearance and humble manner of life
would suggest. Do either of you know whether Mr. Orcutt's name has ever
been associated with any private scandal, the knowledge of which might
have given her power over him?"

"I do not think he was that kind of a man," said Byrd. "Since morning I
have put myself in the way of such persons as I saw disposed to converse
about him, and though I have been astonished to find how many there are
who say they never quite liked or altogether trusted this famous
lawyer, I have heard nothing said in any way derogatory to his private
character. Indeed, I believe, as far as the ladies were concerned, he
was particularly reserved. Though a bachelor, he showed no disposition
to marry, and until Miss Dare appeared on the scene was not known to be
even attentive to one of her sex."

"Some one, however, I forget who, told me that for a short time he was
sweet on a certain Miss Pratt," remarked Hickory.

"Pratt? Where have I heard that name?" murmured Byrd to himself.

"But nothing came of it," Hickory continued. "She was not over and above
smart they say, and though pretty enough, did not hold his fancy. Some
folks declare she was so disappointed she left town."

"Pratt, Pratt!" repeated Byrd to himself. "Ah! I know now," he suddenly
exclaimed. "While I stood around amongst the crowd, the morning Mrs.
Clemmens was murdered, I remember overhearing some one say how hard she
was on the Pratt girl."

"Humph!" ejaculated Mr. Gryce. "The widow was hard on any one Mr. Orcutt
chose to admire."

"I don't understand it," said Byrd.

"Nor I," rejoined Mr. Gryce; "but I intend to before the week is out."
Then abruptly: "When did Mrs. Clemmens come to this town?"

"Fifteen years ago," replied Byrd.

"And Orcutt--when did he first put in an appearance here?"

"At very much the same time, I believe."

"Humph! And did they seem to be friends at that time?"

"Some say Yes, some say No."

"Where did he come from--have you lear