"Sir," returned Mr. Byrd, "neither you nor I nor any one at that time could foresee what a serious and complicated case this was going to be. Besides, he did not linger in this vicinity, but took the cars only a few minutes after he parted from us. I did not think he wanted to be dragged into this affair unless it was necessary. He had important matters of his own to look after. However, if suspicion had continued to follow him, I should have notified him of the fact, and let him speak for himself. But it vanished so quickly in the light of other developments, I just let the matter drop." The impatient frown with which Mr. Ferris received this acknowledgment showed he was not pleased. "I think you made a mistake," said he. Then, after a minute's thought, added: "You have seen Gryce since?" "Yes, sir; several times." "And he acknowledged himself to have been the humpback?" "Yes, sir." "You must have had some conversation with him, then, about this murder? He was too nearly concerned in it not to take some interest in the affair?" "Yes, sir; Gryce takes an interest in all murder cases." "Well, then, what did he have to say about this one? He gave an opinion, I suppose?" "No, sir. Gryce never gives an opinion without study, and we detectives have no time to study up an affair not our own. If you want to know what Gryce thinks about a crime, you have got to put the case into his hands." Mr. Ferris paused and seemed to ruminate. Seeing this, Mr. Byrd flushed and cast a side glance at Hickory, who returned him an expressive shrug. "Mr. Ferris," ventured the former, "if you wish to consult with Mr. Gryce on this matter, do not hesitate because of us. Both Hickory and myself acknowledge we are more or less baffled by this case, and Gryce's judgment is a good thing to have in a perplexity." "You think so?" queried the District Attorney. "I do," said Byrd. Mr. Ferris glanced at Hickory. "Oh, have the old man here if you want him," was that detective's blunt reply. "I have nothing to say against your getting all the light you can on this affair." "Very good," returned Mr. Ferris. "You may give me his address before you go." "His address for to-night is Utica," observed Byrd. "He could be here before morning, if you wanted him." "I am in no such hurry as that," returned Mr. Ferris, and he sank again into thought. The detectives took advantage of his abstraction to utter a few private condolences in each other's ears. "So it seems we are to be laid on the shelf," whispered Hickory. "Yes, for which let us be thankful," answered Byrd. "Why? Are you getting tired of the affair?" "Yes." A humorous twinkle shone for a minute in Hickory's eye. "Pooh!" said he, "it's just getting interesting." "Opinions differ," quoth Byrd. "Not much," retorted Hickory. Something in the way he said this made Byrd look at him more intently. He instantly changed his tone.