“Did you ever find out how it started?”
“Yes—and no. It was done by a tramp. He claims he was smoking and fell asleep. We put the screws on him, but couldn't get a word more than that. They're still holding him, but I've about decided to let him go. There may be something behind it, of course, but if he won't tell I don't know who will. I hardly think it would pay us to push it any further.”
“No, I suppose not, so long as we're well out of it. Are you keeping a close watch?”
“Yes, I've put on an extra man since the fire.” While he was answering these eager questions, Halloran had been looking for an opportunity to open the subject that was uppermost in his mind. Now, dropping his voice, he began:
“There's one thing, Mr. Higginson—-”
But his employer did not hear. “Who was this Le Duc I've been hearing about?”
“He's Captain Craig's son-in-law. Bigelow put him up as his operator in corn.” Again his voice lost its assurance. “I have something to tell—”
“Craig's son-in-law. Strange I never heard of him.”
“I didn't put it quite right—Le Duc married his granddaughter. Bigelow was Craig's son-in-law.”
“Bigelow!”