"Do you think you will be able?" hesitated Herrick.
"I am certain I can. Besides I want to have some part in the discovery of the truth."
The doctor handed her the pistol. He knew that she was a clever girl, and would not undertake a thing unless she could execute it thoroughly. "You and I can do the detective business together," he said. "I will look after Joyce and Santiago and Frisco if I can find him; your part will be to trace the pistol and to see if the bullet fits. You can manage Bridge?"
"Easily," replied Bess, putting the pistol away, "he is so conceited that a little flattery goes a long way with him."
"Don't let him meddle in this matter. He will only spoil it. I know what to do. Leave it to me."
Dr. Jim took up his hat to go. Suddenly he recollected a point he had not yet discussed and sat down again. "About Pentland Corn," said he, "what do you think of him Bess?"
"He is a good man," she replied promptly, "but he is weak. I am sure there is nothing wrong about him."
"Yet why should he make such a friend of Santiago?"
"I do not know. Shall I ask him?"
"He would not tell you the truth if you did. He has his own secrets."