“I am sure,” said the notary, “that this clew, if followed up, will yield an explanation of the motive. I would suggest that detectives shadow young Banks and even that his lodgings be searched. I am convinced he is guilty.” “Is it so bad as that?” said the chief, quietly. “We will consider your proposition, Mr. Blood. We are glad to get all the hints possible.” “And young Banks——” “Shall be put under surveillance.” CHAPTER III. IN SLY JIMMIE’S PLACE. An evil smile flickered about the lips of the guardian. “Well,” he said, “I give you the hint. Make the most of it. I could have given it to the private detectives, but I thought the Secret Service safer.” “That was a wise move,” said the chief. “The Secret Service is all that its name implies, absolutely safe!” “When shall I expect to hear from you?” “At a date as early as possible.” “You know where my office is?” “Yes.” “Very well. Good-day!” “Good-day!” The door closed and Blood was gone. The detectives emerged from behind the screen. “Well?” said the chief. “Ahem!” said Harry. “Humph!” exclaimed Old King Brady. They exchanged glances. “What do you think of that fellow?” asked the chief, finally. “He’s an atrocious old scoundrel!” said Harry, impulsively. “Well, I think so,” agreed Old King Brady. “There is a dark game underneath all this. Somebody has been fearfully wronged.” “I hope you will get at the bottom of it,” said the chief. “We will!” “I wish you luck!” The Bradys went to the door. “Thank you!” replied Old King Brady. “We shall see you again when we have something worth reporting.” “Good! I shall wait with eagerness.” Then parting salutations were exchanged and the detectives went out upon the street. It was natural for them to fall into the making of deductions. Many an important fact is arrived at through the medium of deduction. By a process of reasoning, therefore, the Bradys managed to hit upon what they believed was a true line. To them it looked logical that there was an animus in the purpose of Blood in throwing suspicion upon the young clerk, Allerton Banks. The detectives made searching inquiries. They discovered that Allerton Banks was a young man of character and reputation beyond reproach. No charge could possibly be brought against him. Moreover, by inquiry, they learned that he could not possibly have written the note of appointment signed D. B., and that it was easy for him to prove a certain alibi. All these things had their value and were given due weight by the Bradys. On the other hand, investigation showed that Napoleon Blood was a crotchety, narrow-minded old usurer and that he handled the inheritance of Evelyn Grimm as if it was his own. In fact, now that it was assumed that she was out of existence, the property was likely to revert to him as the next and only heir. All these things the detectives quietly unearthed.