"I am glad you could join us to-night, Colonel Thornton," said Brett, as he placed one of the ashtrays conveniently near the lawyer. "Three heads are better than one, and it is time we got together and discussed certain features of this case." "Quite right, it will help us to a clearer understanding," agreed the Colonel. "Then suppose, Mr. Hunter, that you first tell us any theories which you may have formed." Douglas dropped the paper-cutter he was balancing in his hand, and, leaning on the table, looked seriously at his companions. "I think," he said deliberately, "that Philip Winthrop has a guilty knowledge of Senator Carew's death, if he is not the actual murderer." "Your reasons," demanded Colonel Thornton. "There was bad blood between them, that has been proved," Douglas picked his words with care. "Possibly the quarrel was brought about because Senator Carew had found out something discreditable in Philip Winthrop's past. He had a responsible position as the Senator's private secretary, and there is a chance he betrayed his trust." "In what way?" asked Brett eagerly. "It may be that he is in the pay of some lobby anxious to influence important legislation." Douglas, mindful of the Secretary of State's caution, was feeling his way with care. "Senator Carew was the last man to be influenced by such a character as Philip Winthrop," said Thornton contemptuously. "He may not have tried to do so, but simply have betrayed valuable information of committee plans and caucus." "That may be," acknowledged Thornton, "particularly as I am told that Philip has been spending a great deal of money lately; far more than his salary would warrant." "'Value received.'" Douglas shrugged his shoulders expressively. "I have also found out that Hamilton, the coachman, is a Jamaican negro, his real name being Samuel Hamilton Quesada, and that he was brought here nearly two years ago by young Winthrop when he returned from a visit to Jamaica. The Senator took him into his employ at the former's request and recommendation." "And your theory is?" questioned Brett sharply, laying down his cigar. "That Winthrop either bribed Hamilton to kill Senator Carew, or to help him after he, Winthrop, had committed the murder. You must remember," he added hastily, as Brett started to speak, "the Jamaican negro has a revengeful disposition when roused, and I have no doubt Senator Carew gave him merry hell when he discharged him Monday afternoon, and Hamilton was ready to risk everything to get even." Brett shook his head. "How did Senator Carew get into that carriage?" he asked doubtfully. "Hamilton probably lied when he said he did not first stop at this house on his way to the ball to bring Miss Carew home. Or perhaps Winthrop came into this room, found Senator Carew busy writing, stole up behind him, seized the letter file and stabbed him with it."