"It does. From first to last I am puzzled. To begin with, how came you to hear of the tragedy that you were able to be upon the scene so promptly?" "Are you here as a spy or to ask for help? Come, a plain answer," said Quarles hotly, as though he were resenting an insult. "Dear!" said the girl soothingly. "Zena considers you honest," said the old man, suddenly calm again. "My helper, as I told you, and not always of my opinion. Let that pass. You are a young man with much to learn. I am not a detective, but a philosopher, and sometimes an investigator of human motives. If a mystery interests me I endeavor to solve it for my own satisfaction, but there it ends. I never give my opinion unless it is asked for, nor should I interfere except to prevent a miscarriage of justice. If this is clear to you, you may proceed and tell me what you have done, how far you have gone in the unraveling of this case; if you are not satisfied, I have nothing more to say to you except 'Good morning!'" For a moment I hesitated, then shortly I told him what I had done, and he listened attentively. "I have always worked alone," I went on, "not without success, as you may know. In this case I am beaten so far, and I come to you." "Why?" "For two reasons. First--you will forgive my mentioning it again--your prompt arrival puzzled me; secondly, I believe in Captain Ratcliffe, and am anxious to relieve him of the suspicion which undoubtedly rests upon him." The old man rubbed his head through his skull-cap. "You would like to find some reason to be suspicious of me?" "Mr. Wigan does not mean that, dear," said Zena. The professor shook his head doubtfully. "Crime as crime does not interest me. It is only when I am impelled to study a case, against my will sometimes, that I become keen; and, whenever this happens, the solution of the mystery is likely to be unusual. My methods are not those of a detective. You argue from facts; I am more inclined to form a theory, and then look for facts to fit it. Not a scientific way, you may say, but a great many scientists do it, although they would strenuously deny the fact. I can show you how the facts support my theory, but I cannot always produce the actual proof. In many cases I should be a hindrance rather than a help to you." "It is courteous of you to say so," I returned, wishing to be pleasant. "It is quite true, not a compliment," said the girl.