"Let it be in the dark," was the answer.
"But thee had light when thee struck Custer Kipp down in the library of his own house!"
There was a slight start on the murderer's part, and his eyes for an instant sought the floor.
"Never mind that. You are an indefatigable tracker; never heard of your like. Trailed from New York, I have been in the shadow of your hand long enough. But it must end now—in this house!"
Old Broadbrim took one step toward the table, and at the same time Merle's hand went up, and the room became enveloped in darkness.
Silence fell over the scene, and the detective heard not the slightest sound.
What had become of Belle Demona?
Perhaps she was keeping watch outside, waiting for the result of the duel in the dark, or she might be elsewhere, lying in wait for the girl who had fired the ranch.
Somewhere in the apartment stood Merle, but Old Broadbrim could not see him.