[Pg 76] "He may help in the Mansion affair later," said Moore. "Yes," said Oakes. "I thought I might need him. Anyway, this murder is for the police at present. I succeeded in getting long-distance telephone, and found that Martin did not come here at all. He returned to the office after seeing Dr. Moore off on the train." "Good!" we exclaimed. "And what did you learn from the dying man? He spoke to you, we thought." "I learned something that has great possibilities," said Oakes. "Wait for the inquest. What have you learned?" I answered for us both: "Reilly is well known here and reliable. We could learn nothing of the Smith murder save that it had occurred about as this one, and was never solved. The old Chief of Police resigned on account of public opinion of his incompetency; the new Chief, Hallen, came in here a year or so ago." "Well," said Oakes, "so far—so good; but it looks to me as though there is some connection between these murders. I do not envy the local [Pg 77] officials a bit; the people won't stand much more mystery up here. Suspicion of one's neighbors is a terrible thing in a small community. By the way, when I give my evidence, watch me but little—watch the audience more. The criminal might be there!" [Pg 77] "Yes," said Moore, turning to me; "they often seek the court under such circumstances, don't they?" "I believe it has been recorded," I rejoined. Then seeing Oakes move away, I asked where he was going. "I am going to look around for a while." "Better be cautious; you may be the next to get a bullet, for the criminal probably knows that you saw Mark alive. He may be anybody in town," I said. "Anybody! Nonsense. You may clear the women and children at least. That wound was made by a heavy-calibre weapon; it takes strength to handle such." Then he walked away. [Pg 78] [Pg 78]
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