In the present case there is no circumstantial evidence, and as to motive, poor old Victor was too big a fool to have an enemy in the world." Sidney Voss, who was up for the Sheridan Club and had once been there, glanced respectfully across at Francis.
"You ought to know something about crime and criminals, Mr.Ledsam," he said.

"Have you any theory about the affair ?" Francis set down the glass from which he had been drinking, and, folding up the evening paper, laid it by the side of him.
"As a matter of fact," he answered calmly, "I have." The few words, simply spoken, yet in their way charged with menace, thrilled through the little room.

Fairfax swung round upon his stool, a tall, aggressive-looking youth whose good-looks were half eaten up with dissipation.

His eyes were unnaturally bright, the cloudy remains in his glass indicated absinthe.
"Listen, you fellows!" he exclaimed.

"Mr.Francis Ledsam, the great criminal barrister, is going to solve the mystery of poor old Victor's death for us!" The three other young men all turned around from the bar.