means if they choose. This case was too large and too serious to
be allowed to depend on surmises so liable to be mistaken. No, I
would search for real evidence, human testimony, reliable
witnesses, and so thorough, systematic, and persevering should my
search be, that I would finally meet with success.

"Here's the clue," said Parmelee's voice, as he grasped my arm
and turned me in another direction.

He pointed to a glittering article on the large desk.

It was a woman's purse, or bag, of the sort known as "gold-mesh."
Perhaps six inches square, it bulged as if overcrowded with some
feminine paraphernalia.

"It's Miss Lloyd's," went on Parmalee. "She lives here, you know
--Mr. Crawford's niece. She's lived here for years and years."

"And you suspect her?" I said, horrified.

"Well, you see, she's engaged to Gregory Hall he's Mr. Crawford's
secretary--and Mr. Crawford didn't approve of the match; and so--"

He shrugged his shoulders in a careless fashion, as if for a
woman to shoot her uncle were an everyday affair.

But I was shocked and incredulous, and said so.

"Where is Miss Lloyd?" I asked. "Does she claim ownership of
this gold bag?"