On a few pieces, however, words and parts of words could be distinctly read.
Mr.Whitney studied the bits of discolored paper for a moment, and then exclaimed in excited tones, "Good heavens, man! it is the will! The will drawn up in these rooms yesterday! See, here is the date, 'this seventh day of July, in the year of our'-- the rest is gone." "Here is part of a name," said the detective, "'nor Houghton LaGra'-- " "Eleanor Houghton LaGrange!" exclaimed the attorney, "and below you can just trace the words, 'this amount of annuity to be'; and here are other bits, 'as to my estate and all property,' 'to hold the same forever, together with.' Well, I should say these were of value; where did you find them ?" For answer, Mr.Merrick pointed to a small fireplace behind the safe, near which a large screen was standing.
"Strange!" exclaimed the attorney.

"I never noticed that before, much as I have been here." "It escaped my observation for some time," replied the other.

"I searched the fireplace in the library, but this grate is very small and was concealed by that large screen, as well as by the safe.
Evidently, it was seldom used, and was selected for that reason by whoever destroyed the will, as more likely to escape notice." "Rather a bungling piece of work," commented the attorney, "leaving these partially burned scraps.

I wonder that he or she, whoever it was, did not make sure that they were entirely consumed." "The person may have heard some sound and, fearing detection, hastened away before the job was completed," suggested the other.
"Well, it is past three, we must hasten; you found nothing more ?" "Nothing of special importance.

I have learned one fact, however; the murder was never committed in this room, but in the library." "The library! Why do you think that ?" "I do not think it, I know it, and was confident of it while we were making the examination this morning.