Not only have we the statement of the lawyer who drew the will, but the actions of Ward and Mrs.Collins subsequent to the murder belie the theory that they had previous knowledge of the disposition which Whitmore made of his estate.
"I know of Ward's frantic efforts to get sufficient money to keep his banking house afloat.

And Mrs.Collins's actions after I informed her that she was the chief legatee proved conclusively that she was as amazed as the rest of us to find that Whitmore had enriched her.

All the circumstances combine to force us to discard the theory that Ward and Mrs.Collins expected to profit by Whitmore's death.
"With this theory shattered no plausible motive for their participation in the murder remains.

If they didn't know the contents of Whitmore's will, then they had every reason in the world for preventing the merchant's death.

Ward was praying for his return, so he might plead with him to help him out of his financial scrape.