The reason for their so doing was suggested by the marks left by the wheels of a garden barrow, one of those two-wheeled affairs seen in the grounds of the wealthy who employ professional gardeners. Without a word Nick followed the tracks of the wheels until the limit of Mr. Field’s grounds was reached. Here the barrow was found. As might be expected, the inside of it was smeared with blood. Barnes was a man of a great deal of good, sound, common sense, and he quickly reached and expressed a conclusion. “From the point where the wheel tracks were seen the body was brought in this barrow to this point.” “That certainly is what would appear to have been the case. In short, it is as plain as the nose on your face.” But did this express his own private views? Let the sequel show. Barnes said: “Now, then, it is left to ascertain what disposition was made of the body after this place was reached.” Passing through the gate that was at the end of the path, they looked around them. Here ran the ordinary wagon road, and some distance away were the rails of the New York Central. Nick Carter had eyes for everything. It was still early in the morning, and not a great many wagons had passed along the road. Every wheelmark was scrutinized closely, although it was done so quickly that his companion did not think that he had more than glanced up and down the road. Together they crossed the road, and over the fence, on the opposite side, again saw the blood marks. The detective, without any show of excitement, said: “There they are again!” “Shall we follow them?” “It is not very material.” In astonishment, Barnes cried: “Surely it is material to follow such sure evidence of the body of a man who has been murdered?” “Who says that Mr. Field has been murdered?” “I do--the evidence does.” “Not to me.” “Do you mean it?” “Yes.” “How can you explain it?” “I can’t do so yet; but if he was dead, and all the villains desired was his death, why on earth do they remove his body? If you can answer me that, I shall become a convert to your idea.” “I cannot answer it, and yet he must be dead! Did not Timon say that he could not feel his master’s heart beat?” “I believe he did say something to that effect, but that does not prove that he is dead.” “Yet it appears to me to be quite sufficient, when taken in connection with other things.” “That may be; but, as I said, where is the body? If they merely wanted him dead, their work was done when they accomplished the bloody deed, and they are not going to take the risk of getting away with a dead body unless there is some necessity for it.” “Perhaps.” “What is it?” “He may have recognized them, and they have thought it necessary, he not having been killed by their blows, to take him away.” The detective smiled.