Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/151

 use advantageously in case of an emergency. It may bring to our aid a force that naturally would be glad to crush us. I'll take the risk at any rate!"

"All right," said Hunter. "I'm agreeable, though I thought it proper to state my brother's position."

Cranston entered upon his work at once and with zeal. His first visit was to Milbank and the Parlin house, where, as has been said, he searched from top to bottom. He plied Mrs. Parlin with questions that finally got from her the story of the package of papers, which she was not conscious of having seen until his questions stirred her memory to recall a picture of the room the night before the murder. Then came out clearly and distinctly the package of papers lying on the desk. It was, however, equally certain that they were gone, and of this he was able to satisfy himself without letting Mrs. Parlin understand that he attached any importance to the matter. The task was left him of ascertaining whether Trafford or McManus had them. The episode of the writing-pad convinced him that Trafford was the man, and that the pad