n't mind doing that," said Beecot, with relief. "I am as
anxious to find out the truth about this murder as you are, if not more
so. The truth, I take it, is to be found in Krill's past, before he took
the name of Norman. Mrs. Krill will know of that past, and I'll try and
learn all I can from her. But Hay has nothing to do with the crime, and
I won't spy on him."

"Very good. Do what you like. But as to Hay, having nothing to do with
the matter, I still think Hay stole that opal brooch from you when you
were knocked down."

"In that case Hay must know who killed Norman," cried Paul, excited.

"He just does," rejoined Hurd, calmly; "and now you can understand
another reason why I take such an interest in that gentleman."

"But you can't be certain?"

"Quite so. I am in the dark, as I said before. But Hay is a dangerous
man and would do anything to rake in the dollars. He has something to do
with the disappearance of that brooch I am sure, and if so, he knows
more than he says. Besides"--here Hurd hesitated--"No! I'll tell you
that later."

"Tell me what?"

"Something about Hay that will astonish you and make you think he has
something to do with the crime. Meanwhile, learn all you can from Mrs.
Krill."

"If I meet her," said Paul, with a shrug.

Undoubtedly Hurd knew more than he was prepared to admit, and not even
to Paul, staunch as he knew him to be, would he speak confidentially.
When the time came the detective would speak out. At present he held his
tongue and moved in clouds like a Homeric deity. But his eyes were on
all those connected with the late Aaron Norman, indirectly or directly,
although each and every one of them were unaware of the scrutiny.

Paul had no scruples in learning all he could from Mrs. Krill. He did
not think that she had killed her husband, and probably might be
ignorant of the person or persons who had slain the poor wretch in so
cruel a manner. But the motive of the crime was to be found in Norman's
past, and Mrs. Krill knew all about this. Therefore, Paul was very
pleased when he found that Mrs. Krill and her daughter were the guests
at the little dinner.

Hay's rooms were large and luxuriously furnished. In effect, he occupied
a small flat in the house of an ex-butler, and had furnished the place
himself in a Sybarite fashion. The ex-butler and his wife and servants
looked after Hay, and in addition, that languid gentleman possessed a
slim valet, with a sly face, who look