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Rh could cite would seem ridiculously inconclusive; while as for a possible motive—

Then a light broke over his consciousness, and he struck his hands together sharply. He might not, after all, have been so far wrong in his deductions as to that. Given an incentive far more dominating than he had dreamed, the series of crimes took on at once the aspect of a most subtle and long-planned scheme; and only in its consummation had over-zeal betrayed it to the eyes of the law.

But unless he dared risk exposing to still further danger the several lives of the family whose safety had been tacitly entrusted to him, how could he prove the culprit's guilt beyond any doubt or disclaimer? Merely to accuse, hoping to force a confession, would be not only futile but a warning to the brain against which he had pitted his own that could not fail to be heeded forevermore; and the murders already accomplished must remain unavenged.

Only one means would avail: the culprit must be surprised into self-betrayal. At a moment when success seemed sure and no apparent danger in sight, a blow as unexpected as it would be disastrous to the whole fabric of that sinisterly nurtured scheme must threaten; and in the face of the dread alternative confession would come, in act if not in words.

Even as the detective reached this decision the means by which he might bring about the denouement suggested themselves to his mind; and a plan sprang full-grown into being. He turned to the telephone, carefully shut off the switch which connected with the upstairs extension, and lifting the receiver, asked in a low tone for Samuel Titheredge's number.

"Sergeant Odell speaking," he announced, still in the