otten papers you read," he answered. "Ask me if
Cain killed Abel. Treving's goings-on with Randall's wife have been
common gossip. The boys blushed about it in the clubs up town. Listen,
Garth. I've found out things you won't get from any papers. Randall and
Treving met at their club last night. Seems Randall had overheard some
of this conversation. I've had a few of the high-hat crowd down here
to-day, and one of the hall boys who heard what went on between Randall
and Treving. Randall warned Treving away with threats. Treving lost his
head and offered to bet he'd spend last evening with Mrs. Randall."

"Good Lord!" Garth exclaimed. "Was he drunk?"

"Can't tell," the inspector said. "The boy thought he had been drinking,
but he didn't believe he was drunk. That don't mean much. Nothing like a
college education to teach a man how to carry his liquor. Anyway,
Randall came back with his own conviction. Swore he'd shoot Treving if
such a thing came off. Well! Randall found Treving late last night in
the lady's dressing-room."

"Pretty bad," Garth agreed, "but I've never thought threats were very
satisfactory evidence."

"Plenty of other evidence," the inspector answered. "Randall had stayed
late in town. He must have driven up and found Treving's car by the
verandah. They're both there now. Easy to understand how that sight
fixed his resolution to kill. And the signs of the struggle are all over
the room. He left in a hurry after he had shot him. He lost his hat off,
rushing down the stairs. It's lying by the newel post. Mark my words.
When we find Randall he'll have a new hat or none at all. He had enough
sense not to try to make his getaway in his own machine or Treving's.
That's why I'm putting you on the case, Garth. You know what a pipe it
is to round up these amateur criminals. I tell you this fellow's
clever."

Garth considered.

"That's clear enough evidence," he said at last, "if the woman--But I
suppose she refuses to open her mouth."

The inspector's rapid fingering of his paper-cutter confessed his
annoyance. His small eyes narrowed.

"Wish I knew if she's acting. She's been practically off her head ever
since that motor cop found her kneeling over the body, screaming fit
to--to wake the dead. Nothing but hysterics all night and day. Jones
reports she's had some nervous trouble--something about the heart. Her
cousin, another doctor, is with her. You know I hate to make a wife
testify. Got to be done t