"Yes. He evidently wrote that letter. In a fit of jealousy, he may have struck the blow."
Ransom Vane was silent.
He had thought of this himself, and yet it did not seem possible that his friend could be such a demon. The detective must be left to take his own course, however.
"They seemed always on friendly terms," said Ransom, at length, "but of course there may have been secrets kept from me."
"True, I will investigate thoroughly." The detective hastened away, and a little later the coroner appeared. A jury was summoned and an examination had. This was on the morning following the tragedy.
August Bordine had been summoned by telegraph, and was the most important witness in the case.
When he told the story of the tramp the silence was oppressive.
"Did you know the fellow?"
"I did not; I believe, however, that Miss Vane stated that he had called himself Perry Jounce."
At the mention of this name young Vane started.