It was at this juncture that a knock came at the door. A bell boy stood outside.
"A gentleman to see you, sir," he said, handing Roy a card.
On it was printed: "Mr. James Kennedy, Detective, Meadville Police Station."
"Goodness, a real detective!" exclaimed Jess excitedly; "let's see him."
"You won't be much impressed I'm afraid," rejoined Roy with a smile at his recollection of the Meadville sleuths.
"Why, doesn't he wear glasses, have a hawk-like nose and smoke a pipe?" inquired Bess.
"And hunt up missing heiresses?" teasingly struck in Jimsy.
"No, he's a very different sort of person. But hush! he's coming now."
A heavy tread sounded in the hall and Mr. James Kennedy, Detective of the Meadville Police Force, stood before them. As Jimsy had said, he was not impressive as to outward appearance, although his fat, heavy face, and rather vacant eyes, might have concealed a giant intellect.
"I've investigated the case of the attempted burning of the stable last night," he began.