form, Government work."

"You know as much about it," she answered, "as I do."

"We have sent," the Inspector continued smoothly, "a special man
out to Washington to make all inquiries that are possible on the
spot, and incidentally, to go through the effects of the
deceased, with a view to tracing any complications in which he
may have been involved in this country."

Penelope opened her lips, but closed them again.

"I am not, however," the Inspector continued, "very sanguine of
success. In the case of Mr. Vanderpole, for instance, there could
have been nothing of the sort. He was too young, altogether too
much of a boy, to have had enemies so bitterly disposed towards
him. There is another explanation somewhere, I feel convinced, at
the root of the matter."

"You do not believe, then," asked Penelope, "that robbery was
really the motive?"

"Not ordinary robbery," Mr. Jacks answered. "A man who was
capable of these two crimes is capable of easier and greater
things. I mean," he explained, "that he could have attempted
enterprises of a far more remunerative character, with a prospect
of complete success."

"Will you forgive me," she said, "if I ask you to go on with your
questions, providing you have any more to ask me? Notwithstanding