XXXI
SWEETWATER HAS AN IDEA
was greatly interested. Taking out a box of cigars, I laid it before him on the table.
"Be free with them," said I. "If there is any help to be got out of smoke let us make use of it."
He eyed the cigars ruefully.
"Too bad," he murmured; "unfortunately, it does not work that way with me. Some people think better between whiffs, but smoking clouds my faculties, and I would be no friend to Mr. Gillespie if I took your cigars now. Free air and an undisturbed mind for Caleb Sweetwater when he settles down to work. Smoke yourself, sir; that won't affect me; but draw the box to your side of the table and give me a rebuking look if my hand goes out to it before this subject is settled."
I did as he requested, but not to the point of taking a cigar. I could think without its aid as well as he.
"Now, sir," he immediately began, "you were the first man to enter upon the scene of crime. May I ask if you will be so good as to relate afresh and circumstantially your whole experience with Mr. Gillespie? You cannot be too minute in your details. Somehow or somewhere we have missed the clue necessary to the clearing up of this case. You may be able to supply it. Will it bore you too much to try?"