Banks raised his heels to the edge of the bed, leaned well back in his chair, and lit a cigar.
"Who tied old Fletcher to the poplar tree, d'you suppose?" he queried.
"Haven't the faintest idea."
"But I have," said the would-be detective. "I'm on a double track now. I'll have something to show you coming and going."
CHAPTER XV
MR. BANKS IS STUNG
Mr. Banks went over to the Harley place early on the morning after Nell's visit, with a note from Reginald Rayton. The contents of the note seemed to delight and comfort the girl. Banks saw violets on the sitting-room table. He stared at them in astonishment. Mrs. Jim Harley caught the look and laughed.
"They belong to Nell," she said. "Captain Wigmore brought them last night. I am sure he sent all the way to Boston for them."
"Wigmore, too," remarked Banks reflectively. "Well, we are all in the same boat."