"Ah! Perhaps you have forgotten when last you saw this fellow, Brooks?"
"I think I saw him, for the last time, two days before my son-in-law was killed. I was at the depot, starting for the city. I think Brooks left town on the same train."
"And you have not seen him since?"
"Not to my knowledge."
"Make an effort to think, sir. Brooks has been seen in W—— since. It is known that he has visited Mapleton. Try to recall that visit."
Mr. Lamotte ponders and falls into the trap.
"A man came to Mapleton on the day of Mr. Burrill's funeral," he says, slowly. "I believe, upon reflection, that it was Brooks; he wished to see the body."
"Did you see this man on that occasion?"
"I did; for a moment only; he came to me with his request."
"You are sure this man was Brooks?"