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 police have it in charge. And to tell you the truth, I believe I’d rather never know the murderer than to have Madeleine’s past dragged out to the light and all this miserable Bridge business made public.”

“I don’t blame you!” and Mrs. Sayre nodded her head, emphatically. “I should think you’d very much rather have the whole affair hushed up and utterly forgotten. Do have it that way—Drew, all Maddy’s friends would prefer it, I know.”

“It isn’t up to me to decide,” Barham said, with a sigh, and soon thereafter he took his leave.

“I still can’t find out where Madeleine heard of Locke,” he mused, as he went on to Nelson’s office. “I can’t seem to find out anything! Well, there’s one thing I am sure of!” and by that time he was at the door.

“Well, Mr. Barham,” Hutchins said, “your reward offer has borne fruit already.”

“What, you’ve found Locke?” and Barham showed real interest.

“Not quite, but a man has put in an appearance who claims to be Tommy Locke’s brother.”

“Has he a brother?”

“According to this chap he has. But between you and me, I ha’e ma doots. You see, any one can lay claim to the relationship and, since Locke isn’t here to pass on it, who’s to prove or disprove it?”

“Can’t you wait a bit, and see if Locke turns up?”

“Just what we’re going to do. Now, Mr. Nelson, suppose you tell Mr. Barham your plan.”

“Why, Drew, I’ve been thinking that I might go down to the Locke place and rake over everything. I know the detectives have done it, but I think I might find some clue they overlooked.”