"Ten thousand a year."
"Great Scott! How lucky for you, professor--her death, I mean."
"I would rather she had not died," burst out the man passionately. "It's horrible to think that she should have been murdered in so barbarous a fashion. You see my position. I live near the house where the crime was committed. I inherit ten thousand a year, and I am much in need of money. How do I know but what your police may accuse me of killing Flora?"
"They'll have to prove how you got into the house first," said the American, rather ashamed of his momentary suspicions, since the man looked at the matter in this fashion. "You lie low, professor. You're all right, I guess. There's a long difference between inheriting a large fortune and killing the person to get it."
"I would not have touched Flora for the universe," cried the professor. "I saw little of her, but what I saw I liked very much. She was a gentle, kind little lady, and though so poor she always dressed well. A most charming lady."
"Where did she get the ten thousand a year?"
"From a relative who died in Australia. At our first interview she stated that she had such a relative, and that it was probable she would inherit the money. Then she promised to assist me. She remembered her promise when she came in for the money a month or two ago. Not only did she promise me an income, but made the will in my favour. I asked her not to, saying I would be content with a small annuity. But she said she had already made the will."
"Why didn't she leave it to her husband?"
"I can't say. She spoke very little about her husband. He is a commercial traveller, and was often away. From what I saw in her manner and looks she was not happy; but she did not complain."
"Well," said Tracey, rising, "if the husband turns up he'll fight you for the property, though I don't think he'll show."