CHAPTER PAGE [I. Through the Green Cord] 7 [II. Who Could Have Done It?] 21 [III. Pinckney, the Reporter] 33 [IV. The Inquest Begins] 45 [V. The Swede] 57 [VI. Out of the West] 69 [VII. Stephanotis] 81 [VIII. The Milk Bottle] 93 [IX. A Clause in the Will] 105 [X. Stryker’s Handkerchief] 117 [XI. Duane, the Detective] 127 [XII. A New Theory] 139 [XIII. Fibsy Fibs] 153 [XIV. Two Suitors] 165 [XV. The Trap that was Set] 175 [XVI. A Promise] 187 [XVII. Madame Isis] 198 [XVIII. All for Love] 210 [XIX. Two at Luncheon] 223 [XX. Fleming Stone] 233 [XXI. Stone’s Questions] 245 [XXII. Judge Hoyt’s Plan] 259 [XXIII. In Kito’s Care] 269 [XXIV. Escape] 282 [XXV. The Whole Truth] 294
THE MARK OF CAIN
CHAPTER I
THROUGH THE GREEN CORD
Judge Hoyt’s strong, keen face took on a kindlier aspect and his curt “Hello!” was followed by gentler tones, as he heard the voice of the girl he loved, over the telephone.
“What is it, Avice?” he said, for her speech showed anxiety.
“Uncle Rowly,—he hasn’t come home yet.”
“He hasn’t? Well, I hope he’ll turn up soon. I want to see him. I was coming up this evening.”
“Come now,” said Avice; “come now, and dine here. I am so anxious about uncle.”
“Why, Avice, don’t worry. He is all right, of course.”
“No he isn’t. I feel a presentiment something has happened to him. He never was so late as this before, unless we knew where he was. Do come right up, won’t you, Judge?”