you have discovered," he said, settling back into a corner of
the davenport.

"For one thing," Marsh began, "I know that Mr. Merton is dead."

He leisurely took out his cigarette case, carefully selected a
cigarette, and touch a match to it. It was evident, that this act on
Marsh's part was intended to give Hunt time in which to think and
pass some comment if he cared to. The man remained silent.

"All right, my friend," thought Marsh. "We'll tell you a little
more; just enough to make you think--and perhaps act." Then he
continued aloud, "I work along somewhat different lines than those
followed by the police. For example, I frequently get better results
by sitting down quietly in my room, laying certain obvious
circumstances before me, and, through what you might call a method
of addition, derive an answer to my problem."

"Quite interesting," murmured Hunt.

"And that is the way I have worked out this problem."

"Tell me the details," said Hunt.

"While you reported to the police that Mr. Merton had been missing
for ten days, I discovered by inquiries at his hotel that he was in
his room as late as last Monday night. In fact, he was seen to leave
the hotel at midnight."

"So I have heard," Hunt broke in hastily. "At the time I notified
the police I had not seen Mr. Merton at the office for about ten
days."

Marsh nodded, and inquired, "I suppose you follow the papers
carefully every day?"

"Naturally," was the reply.

"Then," said Marsh, "you probably read about the murder on Sheridan
Road last Tuesday morning--the Sheridan Road Mystery, the papers
called it."

"Yes, I read about that affair."

"Didn't it make you think?" asked Marsh.

"I don't understand."

"I'll explain," said Marsh. "Mr. Merton left his hotel at midnight
Monday. Two hours later a man was murdered in the Sheridan Road
apartment. Mr. Merton has not been seen since."

"Well?" queried Hunt.

"I've just been wondering--that's all," answered Marsh, throwing the
remains of his cigarette into the fire place. There was a slight
pause as he selected another from his case and lit it.

"Mr. Marsh," said Hunt, "you're driving at something. What is it?"

"Just this,". answered Marsh, leaning forward and looking Hunt in
the eye. "You hold a power of attorney from Mr. Merton. You are to
be sole executor of his estate. Mrs. Merton may not return for
years. That's an easy way to get a business, Mr. Hunt."

Hunt adjusted a couple of pillo