"Then," said Mr. Ferris, "you mean to say that you would have suspected Mr. Orcutt of this crime long ago if he had not been a man of such position and eminence?"
"Undoubtedly," was Mr. Gryce's reply.
If the expression was unequivocal, his air was still more so. Shocked and disturbed, both gentlemen fell back. The detective at once advanced and opened the door.
It was time. Mr. Byrd had been tapping upon it for some minutes, and now hastily came in. His face told the nature of his errand before he spoke.
"I am sorry to be obliged to inform you——" he began.
"Mr. Orcutt is dead?" quickly interposed Mr. Ferris.
The young detective solemnly bowed.