"Of course," said Gunther. "But how—"
"By patience and by running down every alley till we find it is an alley," said McKenna. "That's one thing to keep in mind, and let's put it this way. Was there any one there that night who had to have money quick, and who knew that the fact of Slade's giving the ring would tie Mrs. Kildair's hands? Now, if that condition existed, we're on a strong motive."
"You don't consider that the only lead," said Beecher, convinced as he was of the probability of Mr. Majendie's participation.
"Lord, no. Here's one other point to work on, Mr. Beecher. What's the situation today between Slade and Mrs. Kildair? Has there been any quarrel—say within the last ten days?"
"I don't think so; and yet—" Beecher stopped, remembering Mrs. Kildair's curious request for him to outstay the promoter. "What if there was?"
"Slade's a remarkable character," said McKenna, smiling. "Just how remarkable a few people will learn shortly. If he had quarreled or she's been trying to trick him—just like him to take the ring the second time."
"By George!" said Gunther. "Why not?"
"That's only something to be kept in the background," said McKenna, rising.
He turned to Beecher, considering him profoundly.
"Sorry you told Mrs. Kildair I was on the case," he said.