“Which leads me to infer that you already suspect some person of the crime, assuming one to have been committed,” said Chief Watts, looking up with a curious light in his eyes.

“Well, I will admit——”

“One moment, please. That’s neither here nor there. I do not wish to anticipate the work of any of my men.”

“Have you such a one as I described?” asked the lawyer, with manifest eagerness.

“A better one than you described, Mr. French,” nodded the chief, with an expressive upward glance at the face of the attorney; “for he is a young man who has qualities and abilities to which mere words cannot do justice. Moreover, if it is your wish, I will give him such assistance as may come in my way.”

“It will be appreciated, I assure you.”

“What is involved in this case, more than placing the crime where it belongs?”

“A considerable fortune.”

“The Moore estate?”

“Precisely.”