far out from the porch. He did this, as
he did everything else, with a "flaire," with that indefinable something
which marks every man who has a strong personality. There was in all his
bearing a dash, an electric emphasis.

"What do you think, Mr. Bristow?" He got down to business at once. "Did
this negro Perry kill Mrs. Withers?"

Braceway blew out a big cloud of smoke and looked intently at his new
acquaintance.

"I've talked to Greenleaf," he supplemented. "I suppose he gave me all
the facts you've collected. But Greenleaf--you know what I mean," he
waved his cigarette hand expressively; "I wouldn't say he had
extraordinary powers of divination. He's a good fellow, and all that,
but--what do you think?"

"On the evidence alone, so far," Bristow answered with an appreciative,
warming smile, "I'd say Perry committed the crime."

"Oh; yes, sure." He moved quickly in his chair. "On the evidence, but
there are other things, other factors. What do you think?"

"I'm afraid that's my trouble," Bristow told him. "I've been thinking so
much that I'm somewhat muddled. But I believe there may be something more
than a negro's greed back of this thing."

"Now you're speaking mouthfuls," Braceway said, smiling brightly. "Tell
me about it."

Bristow told him--about Withers' peculiar behaviour; the whole case
against Perry; the illusive personage with the chestnut beard and gold
tooth; Morley's suspicious story and actions; and, lastly, Maria Fulton's
highly puzzling narrative of what she had seen and not seen in connection
with the murder.

Braceway listened with complete absorption, in a way that showed he was
photographing each incident and statement on his brain.

"Now," he began with almost explosive suddenness, "let's get this
straight. I want to work with you, if you'll let me." He paused long
enough for Bristow to nod a pleased assent. "And I believe there's
something back of this crime that nobody has yet put his finger on. Mr.
Withers believes it. Don't make any mistake about that. Withers is as
anxious to get the real criminal as you and I are."

"Let me understand," Bristow said in his turn. "Do you propose that we
work on the case with the supposition that Withers is in no way
responsible for any part of the tragedy?"

"Absolutely!" snapped out Braceway, thoroughly good natured despite his
abruptness. "At least, that's my plan. I'm certain Withers had nothing to
do with it."

For the first time, somethi