"I have," said Jim. "The trouble began at the underpinning. A king post broke and let down the stones."
"So far, we are agreed. But do you know why the post broke? We used good logs."
"I don't know. Although it may take some time, I'm going to find out. We can't have this kind of thing happening again."
Jake nodded. "Perhaps I have got a clew. When Davies was here, he said he'd like to go fishing and some of the boys went along."
"That is so," Jim said with a puzzled look.
"The two who moved first were the boys we allowed we were not quite sure about. I don't know if it means anything, but when they got to the river, they and Davies lost the others."
"It may mean much," Jim said quietly. "The clew's worth following."
Carrie's eyes sparkled as she interrupted: "Do you imply Davies hired the boys to wreck the line?"
"I allow it's possible," Jim replied in a thoughtful voice.
"And I cooked an extra good supper for him!" Carrie exclaimed. "I'm beginning to understand why folks get poisoned. But now you know, what are you going to do about it?"