"So I did, but I can't say what caused the fire."
"It shows that it did not catch from the stove."
"That is so, and it leads us to suspect the store was set on fire—in fact, that is my belief. We stand agreed on this point; but the court must have evidence or we can't make out a case."
"Then we must search for evidence," said the merchant.
"My official duty, sir, is to bring the wrongdoer to justice, and I assure you I take a special interest in this case. I shall do my best work on it; but, by the way, there will be some slight expense connected with it."
"I don't understand you," replied the merchant nervously, for he caught the word "expense."
"Nothing of any consequence, to be sure, but of course you know a detective can't work without means."
"How much will it cost me?" asked the merchant, after a pause.
"I will make it light—for you almost nothing," answered the sheriff, who began to fear he would lose the opportunity to perform official service.
"Very well, then, you may go ahead; but I warn you not to come back on me with a heavy charge for this business."