"Can you do it on the feeble clue we have?" she asked.
He smiled.
"On such a clue, I'll trace her in a week and not half try. Your husband intended to shield her from discovery, and but for these untoward circumstances, we would be bound to respect his wishes. As it is, I must know the identity of the woman. I hope I'll find nothing to compel me to go farther. In the meantime, I'm going to take with me this blotting-pad, and I want you to examine it so that you can identify it beyond question, blotter and all. It's too important for any mistake."
Just then Mary Mullin brought word that Mr. McManus had come in response to a message sent earlier in the evening by Mr. Trafford. Mr. McManus had been with Mr. Wing for a number of years, and held the most confidential relation to his principal of any in the office. Since the murder he had naturally taken charge of his personal affairs. He was a man of thirty, tall and lithe, with a nervous force about him that was held well in control by strong will-power.
