“‘It is my opinion that she never will be tried; we waived the preliminary examination which, according to our laws, would have brought her into a magistrate’s court,--and consented to let her be remanded to jail until the grand jury investigates the case. I took this course to prevent publicity, and to save Viola the pain of being compelled to appear at the bar as a common criminal. Of course she will have to be tried in open court, unless we can untangle the mystery in time to convince the grand jury of her innocence, which I mean to make a desperate effort to do. Viola is in possession of secrets connected with this matter which she refuses to reveal, but I am inclined to hope that as soon as her mind becomes more composed she will consent to tell me everything.’ “‘Did you know that Lottie is also in possession of some strange secret bearing on this case?’ “‘Indeed I did not; pray, what is it?’ “‘She refuses to tell me, but says she will do so at the proper time.’ “‘I declare, there is no accounting for a woman’s freaks! If this is not a proper time to tell what they know, I should like to be informed when it would be.’ “‘I think you are wrong there. Lottie, you know, is a sensible girl, possessed of great prudence, and you may rest assured she will aid us at the right moment. She says she knows who it is that committed the murder, and that it is a person who never has been suspected.’ “‘Why does she refuse to tell us who it is, then?’ “‘Because the proof is wanting to establish the fact. By the by, Harry, have you no suspicions on your mind as to who perpetrated the murder?’ “‘I have, but am unable to offer any good reason for it; therefore, I could not think of naming the person on whom my suspicions rest.’ “‘Then it appears to me that there is but very little difference between the position you occupy and the one held by Lottie.’ “‘I must say that I cannot see it in that light; for I understand you to say Lottie informed you that she knew who committed the murder, while I say I only have a mere suspicion as to the perpetrator.’ “‘Well, it amounts to the same thing, after all, because Lottie, I guess, does not really know, positively, who is the guilty party; but we must all get together, some day soon, and have a plain talk and a better understanding. We must tell each other exactly what we know and what we think; then put our shoulders to the wheel and see if we can’t make things move in the right direction.’ “‘I agree with you there, Eddie; because if we fail in this business I am a ruined man.’ “‘We are not going to fail; have no fears on that score. But tell me how it was that you and Viola happened to make things up.’ “‘Well, I don’t mind telling you everything; because you are in love yourself, you know.’ “‘I should think I did know it.’