“Gosh! has he heard this story?”

“Who?”

“The gentleman in question.”

“Mr. Brotherson?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t think so.  It was told me in confidence.”

“Told you, Mr. Gryce?  Pardon my curiosity.”

“By Mr. Challoner.”

“Oh! by Mr. Challoner.”

“He is greatly distressed at having the disgraceful suggestion of suicide attached to his daughter’s name.  Notwithstanding the circumstances,—­not—­withstanding his full recognition of her secret predilection for a man of whom he had never heard till the night of her death, he cannot believe that she struck the blow she did, intentionally.  He sent for me in order to inquire if anything could be done to reinstate her in public opinion.  He dared not insist that another had wielded the weapon which laid her low so suddenly, but he asked if, in my experience, it had never been known that a woman, hyper-sensitive to some strong man’s magnetic influence, should so follow his thought as to commit an act which never could have arisen in her own mind, uninfluenced.  He evidently does not like Brotherson either.”

“And what—­what did you—­say?” asked Sweetwater, with a halting utterance and his face full of thought.

“I simply quoted the latest authority on hypnotism that no person even in hypnotic sleep could be influenced by another to do what was antagonistic to his natural instincts.”

“Latest authority.  That doesn’t mean a final one.  Supposing that it was hypnotism!  But that wouldn’t account for Mrs. Spotts’ death.  Her wound certainly was not a self-inflicted one.”

“How can you be sure?”

“There was no weapon found in the room, or in the court.  The snow was searched and the children too.  No weapon, Mr. Gryce, not even a paper-cutter.  Besides—­but how did Mr. Challoner take what you said?  Was he satisfied with this assurance?”

“He had to be.  I didn’t dare to hold out any hope based on so unsubstantial a theory.  But the interview had this effect upon me.  If the possibility remains of fixing guilt elsewhere than on Miss Challoner’s inconsiderate impulse, I am ready to devote any amount of time and strength to the work.  To see this grieving father relieved from the worst part of his burden is worth some effort and now you know why I have listened so eagerly to you.  Sweetwater, I will go with you to the Superintendent.  We may not gain his attention and again we may.  If we don’t—­but we won’t cross that bridge prematurely.  When will you be ready for this business?”

“I must be at Headquarters to-morrow.”

“Good, then let it be to-morrow.  A taxicab, Sweetwater.  The subway for the young.  I can no longer manage the stairs.”

XIV

A CONCESSION

“It is true; there seems to be something extraordinary in the coincidence.”