"It is all a matter of deduction from circumstances," he added, "and I think mine were fully as reasonable and likely as yours." "Yes," replied the District Attorney, "three of the twelve jurors apparently agreed with you," which created a laugh, but Littell evidently was not in the humor for badinage and made no rejoinder, and we withdrew to my private office. There we found Miles in waiting. We told him of the date fixed for the next trial, and Littell added that it might afford him opportunity to secure some additional evidence. "Of what kind?" the detective asked. "Any kind," he replied, "that will throw doubt upon the State's case." "Why not hunt for the real criminal?" Miles inquired. "Do you think you can find him?" Littell asked. "I can try," was the reply. "Well," Littell said, "I am going away and will not return for a time, so you and Dallas can have a free hand in the meantime to follow your own course, but for myself I don't think you will accomplish much on that line." The detective made no answer, and I inquired of Littell when he thought of going and learning it would probably be the next day, suggested he dine with me at the club that evening, and added, as the idea occurred to me: "I will ask Davis and Van Bult too. We would all like to see something of you before you go." He accepted the invitation, and as he prepared to leave us looked towards Miles, but the latter had his back to us, and was absently turning over the pages of a book on the table. After Littell was gone, I waited for Miles to make known the business that had brought him, but he remained absorbed in a brown study. At length, to recall his attention, I inquired if he had any definite plans for the course he meant to pursue, adding that I agreed with him in his determination to try and find the real criminal, and that I did not believe it could be so difficult as Littell seemed to judge. He shook his head. "It will be difficult, I have no doubt," he said, "but still I think perhaps I can do it." "Tell me your plans," I urged, my interest aroused. He hesitated and seemed embarrassed. "I think, if you don't mind, I would rather you would leave it all to me just now," he said at length. I was too surprised to make any immediate reply. This man, whom heretofore I had found subservient to my every suggestion, was now prepared apparently to assume the leadership and relegate me to the background. "But," I said, when I had recovered from my astonishment, "do you expect me to abandon the case altogether?" "Not at all," he hastened to explain; "I only wish you to leave the work of the next few days to me. It is peculiarly in my line, and besides I do not think you would find it agreeable. Leave it to me," he urged, "and I will report all results to you as soon as possible, and after that I will be guided entirely by you in the matter."