If that does not suffice to make a strong case, I am at a loss to imagine what will." Mr.Balch pondered a few moments, and then inquired, looking steadily at Mr.Stevens, "How long have you known of this relationship ?" "Oh, I've known it these three years." "Three years! why, my dear sir, only a few moments ago you said a few months." "Oh, did I ?" said Mr.Stevens, very much confused; "I meant, or should have said, three years." "Then, of course you were aware that Mr.Garie was your cousin when he took the house beside you ?" "Oh, yes--that is--yes--yes; I _was_ aware of it." "And did you make any overtures of a social character ?" asked Mr.Balch.
"Well, yes--that is to say, my wife did." "_Where were you the night of the murder ?_" Mr.Stevens turned pale at this question, and replied, hesitatingly, "Why, at home, of course." "You were at home, and saw the house of your cousins assaulted, and made no effort to succour them or their children.

The next morning you are one of the coroner's inquest, and hurry through the proceedings, never once saying a word of your relationship to them, nor yet making any inquiry respecting the fate of the children.

_It is very singular_." "I don't see what this cross-questioning is to amount to; it has nothing to do with my claim as heir." "We are coming to that," rejoined Mr.Balch.

"This, as I said, is very singular; and when I couple it with some other circumstances that have come to my knowledge, it is more than singular--_it is suspicious_.

Here are a number of houses assaulted by a mob.