It will only be necessary to prove that the will, if not in existence at the death of the testator, was fraudulently destroyed prior thereto, and I think we have a pretty clear case.
By George, Merrick!" suddenly exclaimed the attorney in a different tone, as he paused on the way to the stables.

"I hadn't thought of it before, but there's one thing ought to be done; we should have this lake dragged at once." Merrick raised his eyebrows in mute inquiry.
"To find whatever Brown threw in there, you know; it might furnish us with an almighty important clue." "H'm! might be a good idea," Merrick remarked, thoughtfully.
"Of course it would! I tell you, Merrick, I was cut out for a detective myself, and I'm pretty good for an amateur, now." "Haven't a doubt of it," was the quiet response, and the pair resumed their walk.

Both were soon comfortably seated in the coachman's room, their chairs tilted at just the right angle before a large double window, facing the sunset.

Both smoked in silence for a few moments, each waiting for the other to speak.
"Well, my friend, what do you know ?" inquired the detective, while he watched the delicate spirals of blue smoke as they diffused themselves in the golden haze of the sunlight.
"Just what I was about to ask you," said his companion.
"Oh, time enough for that later.

You have been looking into this case, and, as you are a born detective, I naturally would like to compare notes with you." Mr.Whitney glanced sharply at the detective, as though suspicious of some sarcasm lurking in those words, but the serious face of the latter reassured him, and he replied,-- "Well, I've not had much experience in that line, but I've made quite a study of character, and can tell pretty correctly what a person of such and such evident characteristics will do under such and such conditions.