"And he acknowledged himself to have been the humpback?"
"Yes, sir."
"You must have had some conversation with him, then, about this murder? He was too nearly concerned in it not to take some interest in the affair?"
"Yes, sir; Gryce takes an interest in all murder cases."
"Well, then, what did he have to say about this one? He gave an opinion, I suppose?"
"No, sir. Gryce never gives an opinion without study, and we detectives have no time to study up an affair not our own. If you want to know what Gryce thinks about a crime, you have got to put the case into his hands."
Mr. Ferris paused and seemed to ruminate. Seeing this, Mr. Byrd flushed and cast a side glance at Hickory, who returned him an expressive shrug.
"Mr. Ferris," ventured the former, "if you wish to consult with Mr. Gryce on this matter, do not hesitate because of us. Both Hickory and myself acknowledge we are more or less baffled by this case, and Gryce's judgment is a good thing to have in a perplexity."
"You think so?" queried the District Attorney.
"I do," said Byrd.