He was more thoroughly convinced than ever that Percival Coolidge had been murdered; that the act had been committed either by Hobart himself, or under his direction.

He possessed no proof, however, nor could he figure out a motive for the crime.

Who was this Jim Hobart?
That was one of the first things to be learned.

Was he in any way personally interested in the fortune left by Stephen Coolidge?
Or did he hold any special relationship with the murdered man?
How could he expect to profit by the sudden death of Percival?
More important still, what peculiar influence did the fellow exert over the girl?
Here was by far the deeper mystery, the one that troubled him most.

The others seemed possible of explanation, but the sudden change in Natalie Coolidge was beyond all understanding.
Except in face, form, dress, outward appearance, she no longer seemed to West as being the same woman he had formerly known.