"I certainly do affirm that! Why?"
"Because I observe here on the desk a half-smoked cigarette of the same kind you just gave me.
"And you think that is incriminating evidence! A little far-fetched, Mr. Hughes."
"Also, on this chair is a New York paper of to-day's date, and not the one that is usually taken in this house."
"Indeed!" but Winston Bannard had turned pale.
"And," continued Hughes, holding up a check-book, "this last stub in Mrs. Pell's check-book shows that she made out to you to-day, a check for five thousand dollars!"
"What!" cried Mr. Chapin.
"Yes, sir, a check stub, in Mrs. Pell's own writing, dated to-day! Where is that check, Mr. Winston Bannard, and when did you get it? And why did you kill your aunt afterward? What were you searching this room for? Come, sir, speak up!"