"I, too, sincerely hope that Thomas is innocent; but we are not justified in acquitting him until we have made a careful investigation and watched his actions." "I'm quite sure he's connected with the mystery in some way," said Beth.
"It will do no harm to watch Old Hucks, as Louise suggests." "And you might try to pump him, Patsy, and see if you can get him to talk of the murder.

Some careless remark might give us just the clue we need and guide us to the real criminal.

That would free Thomas from all suspicion, you see." "But why do you ask me to do this ?" demanded Patsy.

"Thomas and I are good friends, and I'd feel like a traitor to try to get him to confess a murder." "If he is innocent, you have done no harm," said her eldest cousin; "and if he is guilty you don't want him for your friend." "He likes you, dear," added Beth, "and perhaps he will tell you frankly all we want to know.

There's another person, though, Louise, who might tell us something." "Who is that ?" "The little man with the golf-ball eyes; McNutt." "Now, there's some sense in suspecting him," exclaimed Patsy.