She threw her arms about her father's neck, and her eyes looked down into his, “You'll help all you can, won't you, father?” she pleaded. “Well, I have nothing else to do, and this affair awakens my interest. But from what I know of the case now, I think they have the right man.” “You're a dear, good father to help,” and she gave him another embrace and a kiss. The next day there was a preliminary meeting which Quincy attended at Mary's request. It was with difficulty that Mary waited until he made his report. “The principal witness was Gustave Pinchot, the night watchman. He heard loud voices but as Mr. Ellicott was quite deaf he did not attach much importance to that. Pinchot didn't see anyone come in or go out.” “Couldn't Bob Wood prove an alibi?” “Hardly, for he testified that he went to the office that evening, and Miss Ellicott said that he told her he was going.” “No alibi--and no evidence yet,” said Mr. Dana. “It's coming,” said Quincy. “Mrs. Larrabee with whom Wood boarded testified that he had a heavy oaken staff and that he took it with him when he went out that evening because he had sprained his ankle.” “Did Mr. Wood acknowledge that the staff was his?” “He did finally. He injured his case by saying, at first, that he didn't take it with him, but Mrs. Larrabee's testimony knocked that.” “Is that all the testimony against him?” inquired Mary. “Oh, no,” continued Quincy. “Wood made a damaging statement that will make it go hard with him. When he asked Ellicott for his daughter's hand, the old man got mad and threatened to kick him out. Then the judge asked Wood what he said when Ellicott threatened him and the young fellow incriminated himself by saying that he told Ellicott if he did that he would not live to do it again.” “Did it appear that he had been kicked out?” inquired Mary. “No; and Wood denied it as well.” “And you saw his father, Quincy? What did he have to say?” “He's all broken up, but says that his son is innocent.” “Of course, that's to be expected,” said Mary, and then continued, “I saw Mabel Ellicott yesterday. She's in love with him, sure, and of course does not think him guilty. She told me, though, that Bob Wood had said to her that if she were an orphan there would be no objection to their marriage.” “That would probably go against him, if the prosecution calls her at the trial, and she testifies to that. But, what do you really think about it, Mr. Dana?” asked Quincy. “I have my suspicions, but I am not going to mention them yet. You two young people are taking hold of the matter in good shape, and I want to see what you can do about it; but, although, I do not say that Wood is not guilty, I do say that I doubt if the government has sufficient evidence to convict him.” * * * * * * *