full half-hour after that, but he never could
tell what he did, or with whom he conversed, or how or when he issued
from the house and made his way back to his room in the hotel. He only
knew that at midnight he was still walking the floor, and had not yet
made up his mind to take the step which his own sense of duty now
inexorably demanded.

XI.

DECISION.

Who dares
To say that he alone has found the truth.
--LONGFELLOW.

THE next morning Mr. Ferris was startled by the appearance in his office
of Mr. Byrd, looking wretchedly anxious and ill.

"I have come," said the detective, "to ask you what you think of Mr.
Hildreth's prospects. Have you made up your mind to have him arrested
for this crime?"

"Yes," was the reply. "The evidence against him is purely
circumstantial, but it is very strong; and if no fresh developments
occur, I think there can be no doubt about my duty. Each and every fact
that comes to light only strengthens the case against him. When he came
to be examined last night, a ring was found on his person, which he
acknowledged to having worn on the day of the murder."

"He took it off during the inquest," murmured Mr. Byrd; "I saw him."

"It is said by Hickory--the somewhat questionable cognomen of your
fellow-detective from New York--that the young man manifested the most
intense uneasiness during the whole inquiry. That in fact his attention
was first drawn to him by the many tokens which he gave of suppressed
agitation and alarm. Indeed, Mr. Hickory at one time thought he should
be obliged to speak to this stranger in order to prevent a scene. Once
Mr. Hildreth got up as if to go, and, indeed, if he had been less hemmed
in by the crowd, there is every reason to believe he would have
attempted an escape."

"Is this Hickory a man of good judgment?" inquired Mr. Byrd, anxiously.

"Why, yes, I should say so. He seems to understand his business. The way
he procured us the testimony of Mr. Hildreth was certainly
satisfactory."

"I wish that, without his knowing it, I could hear him give his opinion
of this matter," intimated the other.

"Well, you can," rejoined Mr. Ferris, after a quick and comprehensive
survey of Mr. Byrd's countenance. "I am expecting him here any moment,
and if you see fit to sit down behind that screen, you can, without the
least difficulty to yourself or him, hear all he h