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The Missing Bridegroom
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out, "I'm right after all, Mr. Van Sutton! It's murder—nothing more nor less!"

"Murder!" The gasp came from Bertha Van Sutton. For an instant I thought she was about to faint.

Wiley glanced around the group with a suggestion of conscious importance which did not leave him, even in the tension of the moment.

"We have found Mr. Endicott's clothes in Thompson's Creek—and the coat is covered with blood!"

Madelyn Mack gently led Bertha Van Sutton to the chair I had vacated. One hand was stroking the girl's temples as she turned.

"You are wrong, Mr. Wiley!" she said quietly. "For the peace of mind of this household, I am willing to stake my reputation that you are wrong."

Detective Wiley whirled with a sneer. "Really, you astound me, my lady policeman! May I humbly inquire how your pink tea wisdom deduces so much?"

Madelyn smoothed the folds of her coat as she straightened. "I have promised Miss Van Sutton that if she and her father will call at 'The Rosary' to-morrow afternoon at four, I will give them a complete explanation of this unfortunate affair! You may call also if you are interested, Mr. Wiley

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