see here, look! . . . I want ye tu be back here agin as soon as
iver ye can make ut back. Tchkk!" he clucked fretfully, "I wish this
autopsy an' inquest was thru', so's we cud git down tu bizness. Phew!
this dive's stuffy--let's beat ut out a bit!"

Standing on the sidewalk they gazed casually at the slowly approaching
figures of Inspector Kilbride and Mr. Gully. The two latter appeared to
be engaged in a vehement, though guarded conversation--stopping every now
and again, as if to debate a point.

"Here cometh Moran's 'dep'ty sheriff,'" was Yorke's facetious comment.

"By gum, though!" Redmond ejaculated, "the beggar would make a good stage
marshal, wouldn't he? . . . with that Bret Harte, forty-niner's moustache
and undertaker's mug, and top-boots and all, what?"

"And a glittering star badge," supplemented Yorke dramatically, "don't
forget that! and two murderous-looking guns slanted across his hips and--"

"Arrah, thin! shut up, Yorkey!" hissed the sergeant in a warning aside,
"they'll hear yez. Here they come."

Presently the five were grouped together. Inspector Kilbride's stern
features were set in a thoughtful, lowering scowl. Mr. Gully's tanned,
leathery countenance looked curiously mottled.

"Sergeant!" The inspector clicked off his words sharply. "This is a bad
case. We've just been viewing the body--Mr. Gully and I." With
mechanical caution he glanced swiftly round. "Let's get inside and go
over things again," he added.

Seated in the privacy of the hotel parlour the crime was discussed from
every angle with callous, professional interest. Kilbride and Slavin did
most of the talking, though occasionally Gully interpolated with question
and comment. He possessed a deep, booming bass voice well-suited to his
vast frame. His speech, despite a slightly languid drawl, was
unquestionably that of an educated Englishman. Yorke and Redmond
maintained a respectful silence in the presence of their officer, except
to answer promptly and quietly any questions put directly to them.

Personal revenge they decided eventually could be the only motive.
Robbery was out of the question, as the personal belongings of the dead
man had been found to be intact, including a valuable diamond ring, about
a hundred and fifty dollars in bills, and his watch, papers, etc. A
jovial, light-hearted young rancher, hailing originally from the Old
Country, a bachelor of more or less convivial habits, he had enjoyed th