Carolyn Wells

“ You are innocent, therefore you have nothing to fear."
"I have a great deal to fear."
The girl spoke gently, even sadly, now. She seemed full of anxiety and sorrow, that yet showed no trace of apprehension for herself.
All at once a light broke upon Fessenden. She was shielding somebody. Nor was it hard to guess who it might be!
"Miss Dupuy," began Rob again, eagerly this time, "I have succeeded in establishing, practically, Mr. Carleton's innocence. May I not likewise establish your own?"
"Mr. Carleton's innocence!" repeated the girl, clasping her hands. "Oh, is that true? ”

“ At any rate, we have no more plausible theory."
"We have not," said Mr. Fairbanks; "but I for one am not content to let the matter rest here. I should like to suggest that we call in some celebrated detective, whose experience and skill would discover what is beyond the powers of Mr. Fessenden and myself."
Rob felt flattered that Mr. Fairbanks classed him with himself, and felt anxious too that the suggestion of employing a more skilful detective should be carried out. ”

“ All his hearers were at their wits' end what to do next, and the opportunity of putting a really great detective on the case was welcome indeed.
"But I don't believe," said Willard, "that he will find out anything more than our own men have discovered." The appreciative glance Tom gave Mr. Fairbanks and Rob quite soothed whatever touch of jealousy they may have felt of the new detective.
It was Carleton who suggested Fleming Stone. ”