"Well, to confess the truth, I have, sir."
"Let's hear it."
"I beg your pardon, sir, but I should like to hear your opinion before I venture to express mine."
Old Spicer was silent for a moment, then he abruptly exclaimed:
"I should like to visit the scene of this tragedy. Suppose we go to Spruce Street at once, gentlemen."
"What! and give up the Stony Creek affair?" exclaimed Stricket, in astonishment.
"Not necessarily," was the reply.
"But I don't understand, Mark."
"I have an idea," rejoined Old Spicer, quietly, "that in this instance, the shortest road to Stony Creek lies through Spruce Street."
"Thunder!" ejaculated George Morgan, "I believe you are right."