"It must have started in the back store, then," said Mr. Rexford thoughtfully.
"No doubt of it," returned officer Coombs.
"This is important evidence," said the merchant, after a pause.
The sheriff brightened up at this, and his eyes snapped with delight. Here was a case for official service.
"To be sure it is, sir," he replied.
"There is some mystery about this."
"'Pears to me so."
"We had no stove in the back store."
"I know it—that's so, Mr. Rexford. It looks bad."
"And I closed up the store myself tonight, and went into the back room, as usual, to see that everything was all right."