Fortune had turned her back on Britz on two critical occasions.

First, Julia Strong had eliminated herself as a factor in the investigation of the Whitmore murder.

Next, Lester Ward had been permitted to disappear at the very moment when he might have been induced to shed light on the crime.

Since all crimes must be proved through witnesses, the loss of two of the most important ones was a staggering blow to Britz.

It did not diminish his confidence in himself nor in his belief that he would eventually find the murderer.