But his subsequent conduct had given his words the aspect of shrewd premeditation.

Now she appeared intent on fastening guilt on Collins.

Her very anxiety to do so implied a hidden motive.

It was necessary to be on guard against trickery.
Evidently she sensed Britz's lack of confidence, for she hastened to say: "I know why he wanted to kill Mr.Whitmore.It was because Mrs.Collins was preparing to obtain a divorce in order to marry Mr.Whitmore.

She had confessed her love for Mr.Whitmore and Collins had intercepted a letter from the merchant in which he urged her to obtain the divorce." "When did Collins intercept the letter ?" quickly asked Britz.
"On the morning Mr.Whitmore disappeared." Here was something tangible at last.