However, he set to work with an admirable zeal.
He interviewed the servants and farm-hands, and the information he received in regard to things supernatural would have filled three volumes; he was staggered by the amount of evidence at hand rather than the scarcity.

He examined the safe and the library window with a microscope, crawled about the laurel walk on his hands and knees, sent off telegrams and gossiped with the loungers at "Miller's place." He interviewed the Colonel and Radnor, cross-examined me, and wrote down always copious notes.

The young man's manner was preeminently professional.
Finally one evening--it was four days after his arrival--he joined me as I was strolling in the garden smoking an after dinner pipe.
"May I have just a word with you, Mr.Crosby ?" he asked.
"I am at your service, Mr.Clancy," said I.
His manner was gravely portentous and prepared me for the statement that was coming.
"I have spotted my man," he said.

"I know who stole the securities; but I am afraid that the information will not be welcome.

Under the circumstances it seemed wisest to make my report to you rather than to Colonel Gaylord, and we can decide between us what is best to do." "What do you mean ?" I demanded.