“I passed by the stable coming up, and the hired man told me.”
“Um-m—doesn’t that look suspicious?”
“How?”
“Oh, never mind. I don’t wish to bring any accusation against them, but a thought happened to pass through my mind.”
He looked at the officer significantly, and then turned away suddenly, as if dismissing the matter.
But the shadow of a hint was not without its effect. The officer nodded his head knowingly.
“I now propose,” said Haywood, “that you three gentlemen remain here and take charge of the premises, and, with the aid of Barker and Tom, look around and see if any evidence or clew can be discovered. I will go down town. Tom, can you let me have a horse and buggy from the barn? I am not feeling well this morning.”
The stable-keeper assented, and Mr. Haywood, as soon as the conveyance was ready, drove in the direction of the village.
On arriving in the business streets, he met the express driver, with his horse and wagon, on his way to the depot to catch the early train. Others were also moving about, for the news had spread rapidly. Through the hotel it had gone like wild-fire; and in numerous residences, servants, up and about their morning duties, had heard the intelligence and communicated it to the inmates. Consequently, there were perhaps fifty people up and on the alert, all in a state of excitement, and inquiring eagerly for the particulars of the tragedy.
The express driver stopped and accosted Haywood, who also reined in his horse. A knot of men instantly gathered around them.