That girl certainly had a motive, and I should like to find out what the motive was." Brenton meditated for a few moments, and then suddenly brightened up.
"I remember, now, an incident which happened a week of two before Christmas, which may have a bearing on the case.

One night I heard--or thought I heard--a movement downstairs, when I supposed everybody had retired.

I took a revolver in my hand, and went cautiously down the stairs.

Of course I had no light, because, if there was a burglar, I did not wish to make myself too conspicuous a mark.

As I went along the hall leading to the kitchen, I saw there was a light inside; but as soon as they heard me coming the light was put out.