"Yes, but—"
"Doesn't that show that he expects it?"
"But we must establish a motive. What reason could Mr. Craven have for the murder of his step-son?"
"I'll tell you, for Frank told me all about it. Frank's got money, and so has his mother, but Frank's got the most. If he dies, his property goes to his mother. His loss will kill her, for she's delicate, so Frank says, and then this Craven will step into the whole of it. Don't you see?"
"There is something in that," said Mr. Abercrombie, thoughtfully. "Indeed, it would explain a part of Colonel Sharpley's conduct on the day of the accident."
"What did he do?" asked Mr. Tarbox, eagerly.
"I invited him to accompany my son and myself on an excursion. He refused, saying that he didn't feel like the exertion of an ascent. Then I invited Frank to accompany us, but he refused to let him go. He said he might take a short tramp, and wanted his company."
"The skunk!"
"Again, though urged afterward to take a guide, he refused to do so, but took a long walk—he and the boy being alone."
"I'd like to wring his neck!" ejaculated Jonathan.