CHAPTER VII.
A Fire and a Talkative Fireman--Mrs.Edwards Receives a Letter.
After dinner operative Everman called upon the chief of police, and acquainting him fully with the nature of his business in the city, he enlisted his services in our behalf.

Men were detailed to watch the arriving and departing trains, in order to discover if Edwards either paid a visit to Woodford or attempted to leave the place.

This step was taken as a mere precaution, for the detective as yet felt confident that Mrs.Edwards was entirely ignorant of the movements of her husband or of the crime which he was suspected of committing.

This was continued without result for three days, but on the afternoon of the fourth, the chief sought Everman at the hotel and informed him that he had important news to communicate.
"What is it ?" inquired Everman, when they were alone.
"Well," said the chief, "it is just this.

Last night, one of my men informs me, Mrs.Edwards received a letter from her husband, and to-day she appears to be in great trouble and distress of mind.