It was certain that James Hutchings would also occupy their attention.

The fact that he had been discharged with contumely and threats, that he had departed uttering violent threats against the dead man, and that he had returned to visit Elizabeth Twitcher late that night, were doubtless being discussed by the whole neighbourhood.
However, only himself and William Roper knew, at present, that James Hutchings had come and gone by the library window, had actually passed twice within a few feet of his sleeping, or dead, master.

That fact, also, Mr.Flexen proposed to keep to himself till he saw reason to divulge it.

His next business must be to question Hutchings.
It was quite likely that there lay the solution of the mystery..