"I think not. Margaret says her father was in the habit of depositing cash in the bank as soon as he received it."
"He organized companies to manufacture his patents. He also speculated in real estate and in mortgages. He owned two buildings in this city and several in the country."
"Who are the other members of the family?"
"Margaret's married sister, Mrs. Andrew Wetherby, of Sanhope, and Mrs. Langmore's two sons, Tom and Dick Ostrello."
"Mrs. Wetherby is traveling with her husband in South America. The Ostrello brothers are commercial travelers and somewhere on the road."
"No, they are poor, and Mrs. Ostrello was poor, too, before she married Mr. Langmore."
"Can you tell me anything else?" asked Adam Adams.
"Nothing of much importance. It's a deep mystery, isn't it?"
"Yes, it's very simplicity makes it deep." The detective drew a long breath. "I was thinking of taking a vacation. My doctor says I need it."
"Oh!" There was a world of disappointment in the word. "Don't say that! You must take hold of this. I planned it all out as I came to town. I know you can clear Margaret if you will only try. Think of her position--the disgrace--my position-- Oh, you can't refuse me, Mr. Adams!" The young man came closer and caught the detective by the shoulder. "If it's money, set your price."
"If I take hold, I'll charge you only what is fair, Mr. Case. But I never take a case, unless--"
"Any request you have to make is already granted."
"Unless I can first interview the person who stands accused of the crime."
"You can see Miss Langmore at any time. I told her that I was coming to town to interview you, and that I would bring you back with me, if you would come. I told her what a wonderful man you were and what you had done for others. I think it cheered her a little, although she was terribly cast down."
"You must not promise too much on my account, young man. I am no wizard, and I cannot perform the impossible, much as I might wish to do so."
"At once?" cried Raymond Case impatiently.
As Raymond Case had said, the Langmore mansion was a large one, setting in the midst of an extensive lawn, sprinkled here and there with maples and oaks and fine flowering bushes. The hedge in front was well kept and the side fences were also in good repair. In the rear was a stable and also an automobile shed, for the late master of this estate had been fond of a dash in his runabout when time permitted. Down by the brook, back of the stable, was a tiny wharf, where a boat was tied up, a craft which Margaret Langmore had occasionally taken down to the river for a row.