"For the last time let me say I have not seen your papers."
"It is false. You took them from this room last night. At the very time you pretend you were after the robber at Mrs. Canby's house you were here ransacking my desk."
"Mr. Woodward&—"
"There is no use in denying it. I have abundant proofs. The girl who cleaned up here this morning found a handkerchief with your name on it lying on the floor. If you weren't here, how did that come here?"
"My handkerchief?"
"Yes, sir, your handkerchief; and Mary O'Brien can identify it and tell where she found it."
"Some one else must have had it," I stammered, and then suddenly: "I know who the party is—Duncan."
"Duncan!"
"Yes, sir. He took that handkerchief away from me when the Models waylaid me!"
"My son! Really, Strong, you are mad! But I will take you in hand, sir; yes, indeed, I will."