"And unless I am much mistaken," said Herrick quietly, "it will take a bolder man than Lennox to label the real truth of this business. However, Austin, we'll drop that part of it for the moment. There are one or two points I want to recall to you particularly." "Well?" "They are these." He spoke deliberately. "The character of Menning's mother. She is important. The rather curious isolation in which the family seem always to have kept themselves. Aaron's sudden change of mind about having Jakey put under restraint. And ... the two other details to which Lennox himself seems to attach the least importance. One is that of the footprints, presumably of a dog--a large dog--noticed near the spot where Menning's body was found." "And the other?" "The other," said Herrick, "I have here in my hand, and to me it provides the most significant clue in the whole case." He opened his hand, and I saw lying on the palm the battered silver button that had been picked up on Dutchman's Hill. XIX THE MILL DAM I could get nothing further from Herrick just then. He went back to his room, but not to sleep, for I could hear him pacing up and down overhead. For myself, I dozed fitfully in the surgery arm-chair, and when I finally opened my eyes with a start it was to find the room filled with sunlight and Herrick standing over me, fully dressed, a cup of steaming coffee in his hand. "Wake up, Austin," he said. "I've stolen a march on Mrs. Searle. It's hot, if it isn't otherwise drinkable." I rubbed my eyes. "Where's Lennox?" "Sleeping the sleep of the just. By the look of him he won't wake up till midday. That's the reward of an easy conscience for you---- 'Something accomplished, something done.' Which reminds me. Are you using your motorcycle today?" "I don't think so." I drank the coffee--it was strong and scalding hot, and it pulled me together. "Why, do you want it?" "I'd like it for today, yes." "Sure." I looked at him curiously. "Have you got something in mind?" "Only a little tour of investigation. You needn't look injured, Austin! Just something I want to check up on. Are you going over to Sliefer's today?" "Later on. I've got two calls in the village." "Well, if you see the Lessings tell them I'll be over tomorrow--or tonight if I get back in time." We got the cycle out without rousing Pete, and I watched Herrick off down the road. When he had gone I lit my pipe and set out for a little stroll until such time as the household should be awake.