“Yes,” I said, “he went through the acid test. Do you think he’s quite sane, though?”
“You mean, his reference to Northrop no longer being in a tainted grave?”
“Yes.”
“I think so. I think it’s his conscience working all through the whole thing, even the money. That’s probably why he came back to live in the mountains so he could save the money and send it to Mrs. Northrop sometime. I don’t think he’s crazy though. His lonely existence and deprivations may have affected his mind. But I don’t think he’s a maniac by far.”
“Well, it would be a wonder if he isn’t,” Tom said. “I wonder where he lives up there?”
“He must have a shack, I guess,” Brent answered. “All the hermits in the movies do.”
“Well, this isn’t a movie,” I said, “it’s too real, by far.”
“At any rate,” Brent said, “I guess that Weston chap is the murderer.”
“Yes,” said Tom, “but try and find him!”
“They say a murderer always comes back, Tom,” I reminded.