THE WISDOM OF FATHER BROWN
that was doubtless due to some very natural mischance or change of plans. Probably the same policy that made him change the clothes made him drop the gun; he began to repent the coat he had left behind him in the blood of his victim."
"Well, that is possible enough," answered the priest.
"And it's hardly worth speculating on," said Usher, turning to some other papers, "for we know it's the man by this time."
His clerical friend asked faintly, "But how?" and Greywood Usher threw down the newspapers and took up the two press-cuttings again.
"Well, since you are so obstinate," he said, "let's begin at the beginning. You will notice that these two cuttings have only one thing in common, which is the mention of Pilgrim's Pond, the estate, as you know, of the millionaire Ireton Todd. You also know that he is a remarkable character; one of those that rose on stepping-stones"
"Of our dead selves to higher things," assented his companion. "Yes; I know that. Petroleum, I think."
"Anyhow," said Usher, "Last-Trick Todd counts for a great deal in this rum affair."
He stretched himself once more before the fire and continued talking in his expansive, radiantly explanatory style.
116
