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Barham gave a slight smile. “I remember hearing a man of your stamp say, not long ago, that he had no detective instinct.”

“That’s just it,” cried Nelson, triumphantly, “I believe a man with common sense and a good pair of eyes in his head might find out more than one of these transcendent sleuths.”

“It doesn’t sound much to me—but if you’re anxious to go, go ahead. What, exactly, are you going to look for? Footprints?”

“No.” Nelson refused to smile. “No, but I believe in among Locke’s letters or papers”

“He hasn’t any,” said Hutchins.

“Well, that’s suspicious in and of itself. If that man tore up or destroyed all his papers the day before he dis appeared, then that proves, to my mind, that he meant to disappear. There’s that.”

“There’s that,” Andrew agreed. “But where does that get you?”

“That’s what I want to know, Mr. Barham,” Hutchins said.

“Oh, well,” Nelson gave in, “if you two are both down on my plan, I’ll give it up. What better can either of you propose?”

“I propose we give it all up,” Barham said, speaking gravely.

“The whole hunt?” exclaimed Hutchins; “withdraw the reward?”

“Well, Mr. Hutchins, let us put all our cards on the table. You have found out, I understand, some very damaging information against my wife. Please do not try to spare my feelings. I can meet the blow. I am prepared for it. Just how much did you find out?”

“Since I know you want me to be frank, I will simply