An annoyed expression came into the face of Mr. Barnes. He had understood from what the other had said that he really thought that Mr. Field had been brought along here. “You don’t?” “No.” “Why?” “For good and sufficient reasons.” Barnes saw that the detective did not feel inclined to talk further, and although he would have liked to have the other’s confidence in full he would not risk offending him by asking too many questions or prying into his conclusions and conduct of the case. The blood spots were followed across a park, and up to a fence that divided it from the grounds belonging to the railroad and covered by their tracks. Beyond this fence the spots of blood were again found, and continued until the edge of the river was reached. Every fact and circumstance, however trivial, connected with the trip from the Field house to this point, tended to confirm the detective in an idea that his brain had given birth to. On the beach he carefully scrutinized the sandy shore in search of some evidence of a small boat having been at this spot. There was no evidence. Barnes, however, said: “It is doubtful if any tracks would be left, for the tide has risen since they have been here.” The detective nodded. “Nevertheless, I am sure that no small boat was here. If one had been some track would have survived the effacing action of the tide. But there is a stronger reason than that for being so sure.” “What is it?” “Have you used your eyes?” “I think so.” “Then you should know as well as I and require no telling.” “Which proves that my eyes are not as good as yours.” “Not at all. It would only show that they had not been as intelligently used. Now, then, I believe we traced the course of the villains at first by means of the heel tracks left by Mr. Field.” “And the blood spots as well.” “Hang the blood spots! They have nothing to do with it. The marks of his heels were visible up to the point where the barrow was brought into use, were they not?” “Yes.” “His body being placed in the barrow these dragging tracks were no longer visible?” “Right.” “The barrow was only used until the fence was reached?” “Yes.” “Well, if the men were not strong enough to carry Mr. Field before reaching the barrow, but must let his heels drag, why is it that after crossing the fence the heel marks are no longer seen?” Barnes looked for a minute at the detective in utter silence. Then he slowly said: “You are certainly a wonderful man!” “Why so?” “Because you are able to so quickly see and take a meaning from facts so apparently unimportant that they would escape the attention of an ordinary man.” “Not if he used the brains which God has given him. If people would only use their wits there would be scant need for lawyers, doctors or detectives.” As they were going back toward the house, Barnes asked: “Have you discovered anything which throws light on the mystery?” “Yes.” “Can you take me into your confidence?”