But they pointed out that the old servant was surely hiding his knowledge of Captain Wegg's past, and could not be induced to clear up that portion of the mystery which he had full knowledge of.

So, while he might be personally innocent of the murder or robbery, both Beth and Louise were confident he was attempting to shield the real criminal.
"But who is the real criminal ?" inquired Patsy.
"Let us consider," answer Louise, with the calm, businesslike tone she adopted in these matters.

"There is the strolling physician, whom we call the Unknown Avenger, for one.

A second suspect is the man McNutt, whose nature is so perverted that he would stick at nothing.

The third suspicious individual is Mr.Bob West." "Oh, Louise! Mr.West is so respectable, and so prosperous," exclaimed Patsy.
"It's a far jump from McNutt to West," added Beth.
"Leaving out Hucks," continued Louise, her eyes sparkling with the delightful excitement of maintaining her theories against odds, "here are three people who might have been concerned in the robbery or murder.
Two of them are under our hands; perhaps Joseph Wegg may be able to tell us where to find the third." They pleaded so hard with the Major to take them to call upon the injured youth that very day, that the old gentleman consented, and, without telling Uncle John of their plans, they drove to Millville in the afternoon and alighted at the hotel.
The Major went first to the boy's room, and found him not only very comfortable, but bright and cheerful in mood.
"At this rate, sir," he said, smilingly, "I shall be able to discharge my guardian in quick time.