They were compelled to acknowledge to themselves that Collins had been effectually eliminated as the murderer.

But on whom would Britz fasten the crime?
"Now let us take up Beard," proceeded the detective as if narrating a commonplace happening in the routine of police duty.

"He is named in Whitmore's will as one of the executors of the estate.

But so is Luckstone! Surely that is no motive for murder.

My men have investigated Beard's life.