“How is that?” asked Mr. Fitler, quickly. He was at once full of eager attention.
“I have traced a piece of the silk into the possession of a member of my own household. No less a person than my ward, Miss Arlington.”
“Ha!” cried Mr. Wilson, in deep surprise. “How in the world did she obtain it?”
“She had learned my suspicions first, and refused to tell me. There was some one she evidently did not wish to implicate. Remember that I tell you this in confidence. It is to go no further, except as I may direct.”
“Then, why mention it at all, if you are not ready to make use of it?” asked the officer.
“Because I want your suggestions. I will not press her to reveal her secret, but we may guess at it.”
“It is a mighty odd thing. A bit of the silk strayed a’ready into your own house. Was she using it in any way?”
“Yes, as a bow.”
“Then she didn’t fancy there was anything wrong about it. She may have bought it. Is there no other silk of the same pattern in the city?”
“There is not.”