er dropped in for an evening call. Of course,
we talked over the events of the day, and Mr. Porter was almost vehement
in his denunciation of the sudden move of the district attorney.

"It's absurd," he said, "utterly absurd. Gregory Hall never did the
thing. I've known Hall for years, and he isn't that sort of a man. I
believe Philip Crawford's story, of course, but the murderer, who came
into the office after Florence's visit to her uncle, and before Philip
arrived, was some stranger from out of town--some man whom none of us
know; who had some grievance against Joseph, and who deliberately came
and went during that midnight hour."

I agreed with Mr. Porter. I had thought all along it was some one
unknown to the Sedgwick people, but some one well known to Joseph
Crawford. For, had it been an ordinary burglar, the victim would at
least have raised a protecting hand.

"Of course Hall will be set free at once," continued Mr. Porter, "but to
arrest him was a foolish thing to do."

"Still, he ought to prove his alibi," I said.

"Very well, then; make him prove it. Give him the third degree, if
necessary, and find out where he was on Tuesday night."

"I doubt if they could get it out of him," I observed, "if he continues
determined not to tell."

"Then he deserves his fate," said Mr. Porter, a little petulantly.
"He can free himself by a word. If he refuses to do so it's his own
business."

"But I'd like to help him," said Florence, almost timidly. "Is there no
way I can do so, Mr. Burroughs?"

"Indeed there is," I said. "You are a rich woman now; use some of your
wealth to employ the services of Fleming Stone, and I can assure you the
truth will be discovered."

"Indeed I will," said Florence. "Please send for him at once."

"Nonsense!" said Mr. Porter. "It isn't necessary at all. Mr. Burroughs
here, and young Parmalee, are all the detectives we need. Get Hall to
free himself, as he can easily do, and then set to work in earnest to
run down the real villain."

"No, Mr. Porter," said Florence, with firmness; "Gregory will not tell
his secret, whatever it is. I know his stubborn nature. He'll stay in
prison until he's freed, as he is sure he will be, but he won't tell
what he has determined not to divulge. No, I am glad I can do something
definite at last toward avenging Uncle Joseph's death. Please send for
Mr. Stone, Mr. Burroughs, and I will gladly pay his fees and expenses."
Mr. Porter expostulated further