“Commonwealth Attorney Wood has issued a warrant for Dr. Alan Noyes, and the sheriff has just gone to serve it.” “What!” Wyndham was on his feet instantly, his face white and startled. “It is a monstrous miscarriage of justice. Noyes is no more guilty of Brainard’s death than you are, Mitchell.” “He will have ample opportunity to prove his innocence,” replied Mitchell. “The preliminary hearing will be held before Judge Ball this morning.” “On what do you base such an accusation?” demanded Wyndham, for the moment forgetting to keep up his espionage of Thorne. “I cannot disclose details,” Mitchell’s chin looked aggressive. “Dr. Noyes may give bond in answer to the warrant, and waive examination until the next term of court.” “Give bond!” Wyndham started. “By Jove! I had better return home; Noyes will need me to go on his bond. See you later, Mitchell,” and he stepped back into the road, then hesitated, his glance traveling to Thorne who sat gazing straight ahead of him. He was leaving Thorne in possession of the embankment. Mitchell was about to call to Wyndham to wait for him when he suddenly recollected a message intrusted to his care. “Your old servant, Cato, is looking for you, Dr. Thorne; and he asked me to tell you if we met that Philadelphia wants you on the long-distance telephone.” Thorne was on his feet instantly. “Why didn’t you tell me that at once?” he began heatedly, then forgetting all else he hurried back to Thornedale. A second later Mitchell was alone, for, not pausing to exchange further remarks, Wyndham was beating a quick retreat to the Porter mansion. Mitchell smiled grimly. “There’s not much love lost between Thorne and Wyndham,” he muttered. “Therefore it’s surprising that they sat here in positions which would seem to indicate amicable conversation. And what were they striving to find in this neighborhood without the other’s knowledge?” Mitchell scratched his head in his perplexity. “And why did they leave me here?” He considered the question, then brightened. “It’s because I’m a stranger in this locality and they imagine I won’t know what to look for.”