"Four copies of a will making Arthur Mannion heir to an immense fortune are found in the pockets of Arthur Mannion's confederate in crime. Who, of all persons in the world, criminally inclined, would be capable of drawing a will likely to deceive the eyes of an expert? Arthur Mannion, who probably carried away with him when he left Washington, years ago, specimens of his stepfather's handwriting. Perhaps they were letters written to himself and containing words of admonition. And the bogus will stands not only as an instrument by which Arthur Mannion hoped to come into possession of a fortune, but also as something of incalculable value as a weapon in the cause of justice. "In forging that will Arthur Mannion forged the instrument of his own destruction, for the controlling motive of the murder is now explained. Revenge for Playfair's refusal to submit to blackmail played but a small part in the murder. Mannion wanted the old man's fortune; he had paved the way to obtain it, and when the time came he removed the living obstacle from his path." Jackson Feversham's countenance had lost its expression of gloom and disgust. His eyes were bright and a smile hovered about his lips. "It's all clear to me now, Mr. Carter," he said, "and I want you to accept my apology for having seemed to doubt your judgment even for a moment. Your explanation goes farther--it throws full light upon the robbery of Playfair's house." The great detective inclined his head in assent. "Yes," he said, "the real purpose of the burglarious entrance into your friend's house is now shown. Mannion went there to steal the key to the deposit box, and, incidentally, to appropriate whatever articles of value he might come across. I am inclined to think that the letters found in the cash-drawer were letters written by his mother to his stepfather during their courtship." "That's it, that's it," exclaimed Feversham. "I've seen him fondling the package many a time." "And it was the offer of Mannion to return them that made Playfair consent to the appointment by the river," continued Nick. "The case is now clear of fog. The only thing is to catch Mannion." "It is a pity the fellow Goloff could not have lived long enough to have spoken a few words," said the Washington chief of detectives. "He might have been able to tell us where we would be likely to find his partner. By the way," he added, addressing Nick, "how do you account for Goloff's possession of those will copies?" "By discounting the old saw, 'There is honor among thieves,' Mannion, of course, gave Goloff his confidence, told him all about the forged will and showed him his first imitative attempts. Naturally there was a pecuniary understanding between them. It is reasonable to conclude that Mannion promised the Russian a goodly share of Playfair's fortune. But Goloff was distrustful. He did not bank on his partner's word; he wanted surety, and he found it when he filched those will copies.