is?"

"Yes, sir. It's something you find that puts you on the trail of the
murderer." Zephania eyed the lilac interestedly.

"Well, something of that sort. Only in this case there isn't any
murderer."

"A thief?" asked Zephania, eagerly and hopefully.

"Not even a thief," laughed Wade. "Just--just somebody I want very much
to find. I suppose, Zephania, you know about every one in the village,
don't you?"

"Pretty nearly, I guess."

"Good. Now suppose you tell me something about my neighbors. Every one
ought to know about his neighbors, eh?"

"Yes, sir. After you've been here some time, though, you'll know all
about them."

"Yes, but the trouble is I don't want to wait that long. Now, for
instance, who lives over there on my left; the square white house with
the drab blinds?"

"Miss Cousins, sir. She's a maiden lady and has a great deal of money.
They say she owns some of the railroad. She plays the organ in church,
and--"