"Well, I'll be gosh-whizzled!" gasped Anderson Crow, sitting down
suddenly.

* * * * *

An hour and a half later Mr. and Mrs. John Ethelbert Barnes were driven
up to Judge Brewster's country place in Mr. David Bracken's brake. They
were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. George Crosby, and were carrying out
the plans as outlined in the original programme.

"Where's papa?" Marjory tremulously inquired of the footman in the
hallway.

"He's waitin' for you in the library, miss--I should say Mrs. Barnes,"
replied the man, a trace of excitement in his face.

"Mrs. Barnes!" exclaimed four voices at once.

"Who told you, William?" cried Marjory, leaning upon Jack for support.

"A Mr. Anderson Crow was here not half an hour ago, ma'am, to assure Mr.
Brewster as to how his new son-in-law was in nowise connected with the
murder up the way. He said as how he had personally investigated the
case, miss--ma'am, and Mr. Brewster could rely on his word for it, Mr.
Jack was not the man. He told him as how you was married at the
boathouse."

"Yes--and then?" cried Marjory eagerly.