THE DETECTIVE PUZZLED.
August Bordine stood handcuffed and a prisoner, his face the picture of utter astoundment.
It was too dark, however, for the detective to note the look on the face of the young engineer.
"I hope you will go with me peaceably," uttered Keene, as he clutched the arm of his prisoner to lead him away.
"Mr. Keene, this is astounding. I thought you were my friend," finally uttered the young engineer, in a voice quivering with emotion.
"You are a skilled and slippery villain, young man, but you cannot throw me off the scent by any such pretense as this. I've trapped too many criminals, and heard their smooth talk. Let me tell you that I heard your confession to your wife, that you murdered Victoria Vane and robbed the house."
Bordine trembled under the detective's hand.
"Come."
"But I tell you there is some mistake, sir. My name is Bordine, and—"
"I do not care to listen just now," interrupted Silas Keene. I know my duty."