Then, to my annoyance, when I got down to help carry in Mr.Hunter, I found blood on the step and the panel, and the idiots told me what they had done.

It is only fair to say that De Silva is innocent of any part in the affair.

He didn't even know that we were bringing anyone to Rossi's room, and we took care that he should be out at the time we counted on arriving at Market Street." "You didn't attack Mr.Hunter sooner because your orders were to wait until the last possible moment ?" "That is so." [Illustration: Scenes from the photo-drama.] Devar was unaware of any change in the manner of either of the detectives, because he was watching Lamotte's livid face with a species of fascinated horror, but Curtis, who had often been compelled to hold similar inquiries into cold-blooded crimes committed by Chinese coolies, found greater interest in observing Clancy.

A subtle exultation had suddenly danced into the diminutive Franco-Irishman's expressive features when Market Street was first mentioned, and his coal-black eyes blazed in their slits at the sound of that name, De Silva.
A queer thought flitted through Curtis's mind, but he put it aside, because Steingall was speaking again.
"Well, you got rid of your friends.

Then what did you do ?" "The rest was simple.