No one can hope more fervently than I do that the perpetrator of these deeds will be found and punished.

But what I cannot understand is your coming here and reopening the subject with me.

I tell you again that I have no possible information for you." "Perhaps not," the Inspector declared, "but, on the other hand, there are certain questions which you can answer me,--answer them, I mean, not grudgingly and as though in duty bound,--answer them intelligently, and with some apprehension of the things which lie behind." "And what is the thing that lies behind them ?" she asked.
"A theory, madam," the Inspector answered,--"no more.

But in this case, unfortunately, we have not passed the stage of theories.

My theory, at the present moment, is that the murderer of these two men was the same person." "You have evidence to that effect," she said, suddenly surprised to find that her voice had sunk to a whisper.
"Very little," Mr.Jacks admitted; "but, you see, in the case of theories one must build them brick by brick.