“_Thomas_--bad egg--was in the house when Mrs. Breese was killed--engaged to her, forged check which was discovered--had another girl--is mentioned in will as next husband--yet Thomas insists Mrs. Breese didn’t mind his marrying other girl and was paying him for his ‘loyalty’ during divorce trial. Thomas possessed revolver and knew how to use it. “_Breese, Sr._--had access to house. May have been there on night of murder. Hated his wife and was hated by her. Evidently lied when he said wife was making will in favor of Thomas. Evidently wanted Thomas accused of murder. Now anxious to get away. “_The Count_--in Mrs. Breese’s bad books, who had been keeping her daughter away from him, and wanted him to stay away even after her death. Is suspected of one murder. He has confessed and disappeared. Was in the house at the time. “_Mary Rose Breese_--judging from mother’s will, wanted to return to her divorced husband. Was in the house at the time. “_Henry Breese, Jr._--Violently hated the actor. Violently opposed his marrying his mother. Once owned revolver. Was in the house at the time. Inherits bulk of the estate.” “You omit Gordon Rice, I see,” exclaimed the Russian. “I omitted him purposely,” said Smith. “He’s got a perfectly good alibi, and no motive.” “And yet,” said the Russian meditatively, “Rice knows something.” “How do you get that?” inquired Smith. “The feeling is intangible,” explained the Russian. “But to one who is sensitive to human beings--I am very sensitive--that is why I am a great detective--but to one like myself there is something about Rice that needs clarifying. I have that curious feeling that he is holding something back.” He paused. “Are you sure about his alibi?” “Sure?” exclaimed Smith. “I’ve got the word of the American Minister himself that Rice spent the entire evening at his house! They were together all the time, except for five minutes. I talked to the clerk who saw and heard him telephone. You wouldn’t want a better alibi than that?” “No,” said the Russian. “Did you, by any chance, ask the clerk what Mr. Rice said over the telephone?” “No, I didn’t,” said Smith. “What difference would it make?” “None at all,” replied the Russian. “I was just curious. However, granted that Rice could not have committed the murder--he was not at the scene of the crime--but isn’t it strange to you that both Rice and Breese should hammer at you to arrest the actor? Isn’t it strange that Rice should bring you the telegram from the detective agency, hired by Breese, to find out what they could about the actor? What must we conclude? Especially in view of the case against Breese? Only this: Rice is anxious to protect Breese.” “Well, maybe,” conceded Smith.