It is for you to say whether, all things considered, I am to drop the matter here or proceed blindly in search of the motive lying back of every premeditated crime.

I can imagine none in this case, as I have frankly stated, save the very weak and improbable one already advanced by young Sweetwater in connection with another party upon whom he had fixed his eye--that of the irresistible desire of an expert to test his skill with a bow which comes unexpectedly into his hands." "That wouldn't apply to Roberts--not in the least," affirmed the Chief with the emphasis of strong conviction.

"Even if we should allow ourselves to regard these stray bits of circumstantial evidence as in any way conclusive of the extraordinary theory you have advanced, he's much too able and cautious a man to yield to any such fool temptation as that.
But to let that matter pass for the present: why have you paid such close attention to one end of your string, and quite ignored the other?
Madame Duclos' hasty flight and continued absence, in face of circumstances which would lead a natural mother to break through every obstacle put in the way of her return, offers a field of inquiry more promising, it appears to me, than the one upon which you have expended your best energies.

You say nothing of her." "I have nothing to say.

I am glad to leave that particular line of investigation to you, and more than glad if it has proved or is likely to prove fruitful.