t of the case, and show that the circumstantial
evidence against him was too decided to be ignored.

"Well, Colonel, you've helped me to a delightful evening," continued
the unsuspecting suspect. "I shall carry away most pleasant memories
of your plantation hospitality, and have concluded to start with them
in the morning." There was a slight pause, then he added: "Sorry I
can't stay another day, but I've been thinking it over, and it seems
necessary for me to move on to the coast."

"Not going to run from the enemy?" asked Clarkson, with a doubtful
attempt at lightness.

"Not necessary, Judge; so I shall retreat in good order." He ascended
the steps, yawning slightly. "You two going to stay up all night?"

"No," said McVeigh, "I've just been persuading Judge Clarkson to
remain; we'll be in presently."

"Well, I'll see you in the morning, gentlemen. Good night."

They exchanged good nights, and he entered the house, still with that
soft whisper of a whistle as accompaniment. It grew softer as he
entered the house, and the two stood there until the last sound had
died away.

"Going in the morning, Kenneth," said the Judge, meaningly. "Now, what
do you think?"

"That Masterson is right," answered McVeigh. "He is the last man I
should have suspected, but there seems nothing to do except make the
arrest at once, or put him secretly under surveillance without his
knowledge. I incline to the latter, but will consult with Masterson.
Come in."

They entered the hall, where McVeigh shut the door and turned the
light low as they passed through. Pluto was nodding half asleep in the
back hall, and his master told him to go to bed, he would not be
needed. Though he had formed no definite plan of action he felt that
the servants had best be kept ignorant of all movements for the
present. Somebody's servants might have helped with that theft, why
not his own?

In the upper hall he passed Margeret, who was entering the room of
Miss Loring with a pitcher of water. The hall was dark as they passed
the corridor leading to the rooms of Madame Caron, Evilena, Miss
Loring and Captain Monroe. Light showed above the doors of Miss Loring
and Monroe. The other rooms were already dark.

The two men paused long enough to note those details, then McVeigh
walked to the end of the corridor and bolted the door to the balcony.
Monroe was still softly whistling at intervals. He would cease
occasionally and then, after a few moments, would