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"The evidence of the will, then, pointed to Mr Jellicoe as the agent in the disappearance, and, after reading it, I definitely suspected hi and proof is another I had not nearly enough evidence to justifyan information, and I could not approach the Museureat difficulty of the case was that I could discover no motive I could not see any way in which Mr Jellicoe would benefit by the disappearance His own legacy was secure, whenever and however the testator died The murder and concealment apparently benefited Hurst alone; and, in the absence of any plausible motive, the facts required to be much more conclusive than they were"

"Did you form absolutely no opinion as to motive?" asked Mr Jellicoe

He put the question in a quiet, passionless tone, as if he were discussing so more than a professional interest Indeed, the calm, impersonal interest that he displayed in Thorndyke's analysis, his unmoved attention, punctuated by little nods of approval at each telling point in the argu interview

"I did form an opinion," replied Thorndyke, "but it was merely speculative, and I was never able to confiro Mr Hurst had been in difficulties and that he had suddenly raised a considerable sum of money, no one kne or on what security I observed that this event coincided in time with the execution of the will, and I surht be some connection between them But that was only a surmise; and, as the proverb has it, 'He discovers who proves' I could prove nothing, so that I never discovered Mr Jellicoe's motive, and I don't know it now"

"Don't you, really?" said Mr Jellicoe, in so a tone of aniarette, and, as he selected another from the silver case, he continued: "I think that is thefeature of your really rereat credit The absence of motive would have appeared to most persons a fatal objection to the theory of, what I ratulate you on the consistency and tenacity hich you have pursued the actual, visible facts"

He bowed stiffly to Thorndyke (who returned his boith equal stiffness), lighted the fresh cigarette, and once more leaned back in his chair with the cal to a lecture or a musical performance