“Everything,” replied the Russian. “You Americans have a religious awe of wealth and respectability. But don’t you know, my friend, that in a case such as this, where robbery is not a motive, it is precisely the wealthy and respectable whom we must study for our suspect? If Mr. Breese were a day laborer, you would readily admit he killed his wife, with whom he had frequent disagreements, in a moment of passionate rage. But you will not concede that basically Mr. Breese is as the day laborer--just as violent, just as primitive. I suppose you will call this point of view Russian. Believe me, my friend, it is universal. I speak from experience.” The Russian rose to his full height, and with the pedantic air of a lecturer continued: “I cite you one of the most brutal murders in Petrograd. A ballet dancer is found in the Neva, her body hacked to pieces. The work of a thug, an apache, you say? No! I found a worthy lawyer, a model citizen, an affectionate father, a devoted son, and in two days I had his confession. This dancer had threatened to tell his wife of their affair, and in his anger he had killed her.” “What’s that got to do with old man Breese?” Smith demanded impatiently. “Only this,” replied the Russian. “Mr. Breese’s wealth and respectability do not preclude him from being a murderer.” “All right, you win,” Smith grinned wrily. “Only I’m not paid to be a debater. I’m paid to get the man who killed Mrs. Breese.” “And I’ve gotten him for you,” said the Russian. “He’s upstairs. Why not call him down and confront him? I tried to question him myself but without success.” “I’d just as soon send for Machado, the president of this country,” Smith growled. “Think I’m crazy? What would I have to say to the old man? ‘I understand you _might_ have killed your wife.’ Do you want me to say that?” “No,” said the Russian. “I shall tell you what to ask him. Behold! Mrs. Breese’s will is to be read today and the funeral held shortly. If Mr. Breese is, as I am convinced, the man you want, he will be very anxious to clear out as quickly as possible. Isn’t that natural?” Smith nodded. “Suppose you call him down and say to him: ‘Mr. Breese, it is not necessary for you to remain for further investigation. The Count has confessed, and we have just arrested him. The case is over.’” “What then?” demanded Smith. “If,” continued the Russian, “Mr. Breese confides to you that he will stay to take charge of the funeral arrangements and look after the children--that he is in no hurry to leave--we may assume that he is not overly anxious to get away from the scene of the crime and the possible danger of arrest. But, on the other hand--let us say, he is guilty. Then, knowing the Count is innocent, that inquiry may show his innocence, Mr. Breese will try to get away from here just as quickly as he can. Therefore, I say to you: Tell him the Count is arrested. He can leave immediately. And then see his reaction.”