“Positively,” cried the rector, obviously much agitated. “He has been a frequent visitor here. I cannot comprehend how such a fate could have befallen him.”
“I’ll admit that the motive appears to be obscure,” replied Gerry, staring down at the body. “It cannot have been robbery, for neither his jewelry nor his pocketbook has been taken. No, no, the motive cannot have been robbery.”
“You’ll change your mind, Gerry, when you learn that this man won ninety thousand dollars just before coming out here,” said Nick to himself.
“Are some of your men searching the grounds for evidence, Talbot?” inquired Gerry, turning to the captain of police.
“Yes, several of them,” nodded Captain Talbot.
The detective reverted to Doctor Royal.
“Were you at home last evening?” he demanded.
“I was,” bowed the rector. “Both my daughter and myself.”
“Did you have any callers?”
“None, sir. We were alone all the evening.”