“But, Mrs, Embury, Mr. Elliott had no opportunity.  We have learned beyond all doubt that he was at his club or at his home all that night.  Next, Mr. Hendricks had a motive.  The rival candidates were both eager for election, and we must call that a motive for Mr. Hendricks to be willing to remove his opponent.  But again, Mr. Hendricks had no opportunity.  He was in Boston from the afternoon of the day before Mr. Embury’s death until noon of the next day.  That lets him out positively.  Therefore, there are two with motives but no opportunity.  Next, we must admit there were two who had opportunity, but no motive.  I refer to Ferdinand, your butler, and Miss Ames, your aunt.  These two could have managed to commit the deed, had they chosen, but we can find no motive to attribute to either of them.  It has been suggested that Miss Ames might have had such a desire to rid you, Mrs. Embury, of a tyrannical husband, that she was guilty.  But it is so highly improbable as to be almost unbelievable.

“Therefore, as I sum it up, the two who had motive without opportunity, and the two who had opportunity without motive, must all be disregarded, because of the one who had motive and opportunity both.  Yourself, Mrs. Embury.”

The arraignment was complete.  Driscoll’s quiet, even tones carried a sort of calm conviction.

“And so, Eunice,” Mason Elliott spoke up, “I’m going to try one more chance.  I’ve persuaded Mr. Driscoll to wait a day or two before progressing any further, and let me get Fleming Stone on this case.”

“Very well,” said Eunice, listlessly.  “Who is he?”

“A celebrated detective.  Mr. Driscoll makes no objection—­which goes to prove what a good detective he is himself.  His partner, Mr. Shane, is not so willing, but has grudgingly consented.  In fact, they couldn’t help themselves, for they are not quite sure that they have enough evidence to arrest you.  Shane thinks that Stone will find out more, and so strengthen the case against you but Driscoll, bless him! thinks maybe Stone can find another suspect.”

“I didn’t exactly say I thought that, Mr. Elliott,” said Driscoll.  “I said I hoped it.”

“We all hope it,” returned Elliott.

“Hope while you may,” and Driscoll sighed.  “Fleming Stone has never failed to find the criminal yet.  And if his findings verify mine, I shall be glad to put the responsibility on his shoulders.”

CHAPTER XIII

FLEMING STONE

One of the handsomest types of American manhood is that rather frequently seen combination of iron-gray hair and dark, deep-set eyes that look out from under heavy brows with a keen, comprehensive glance.

This type of man is always a thinker, usually a professional man, and almost invariably a man of able brain.  He is nearly always well-formed, physically, and of good carriage and demeanor.