nment. There was so much to the case that was
hopelessly dark to him that he dared miss no opportunity to seek
something or somebody who might inject even a single ray of light into
the murk. He knew that the crowd at any inquest was quite likely to
include the very person or persons unknown mentioned in the verdict.
He watched the crowd here with a sharp eye for any one who might
display a deeper interest than that of the casual ambulance-chaser
brand.

He spotted just one among those present who seemed worthy of closer
attention. This was a strikingly handsome blond man, middle-aged and
well-dressed, who occupied an inconspicuous seat in the farthest corner
of the long room. He had about him an air of strained intensity as he
leaned forward to follow every word of the testimony, particularly when
Miss Ocky was giving hers, and he tugged nervously and continuously at
a close-cropped mustache. Creighton could see that his face was
haggard and bore lines of worry--and he could see that an unmistakable
look of relief came into his eyes as the jury returned its open verdict.

"Interesting," said the detective to himself, and touched Bolt on the
arm as the man hurried from the room at the conclusion of the
proceedings. "Who is that fair-haired chap just going out?"

"His name is Leslie Sherwood," answered Jason promptly. "He's a native
of these parts but he has been out in the great world making lots of
money. He has just returned and opened up the old Sherwood place,
which has been closed since his father's death a few months ago. Why?"

Creighton was spared a reply by the appearance of a dapper, sharp
little old gentleman who came up and greeted Bolt by his first name.

"Hello, Judge!" Jason turned with a gesture of his hand. "I want you
to meet Mr. Peter Creighton, of New York. This is Judge Taylor, Mr.
Creighton, who has always handled our legal affairs and managed somehow
to keep us out of jail! Judge, Creighton is here to investigate that
robbery of the other evening when Simon's notebook was stolen."

"_And_ the dagger that killed him!" added Taylor significantly. "Glad
to meet you, Mr. Creighton. I trust your inquiry will be successful."
He jerked his head backward. "What did you think of this inquest?"

"Nicely stage-managed," said the detective, and an appreciative twinkle
lit the lawyer's eyes. "May I have a chat with you sometime, Judge?"

"Whenever you please. Jason will show you my off