Octavus Roy Cohen

“ They walked quietly about the grounds, inspecting every foot of the lawn. Then they crossed the lawn and mounted the steps which led to the centre of the veranda, a veranda different from the usual and modeled upon the Southern colonial style.
The front of the residence rose sheer from the ground, having merely a small flight of steps leading from the walk to a small vestibule, but the entire length of the house was bounded by the wide veranda, which ran the length of the library and living room, there to jut in with an abrupt L and thence along the narrower dining room. ”

“ Then he crossed the room and entered the library. Hall followed and snapped on the switch near the door. The room, while not as handsomely furnished as the living room, was none the less attractive, mahogany and dull green throughout. The walls, from floor to ceiling, were lined with bookcases. It was quite evident that the array of books in the living room merely represented the overflow from the library. The centre table in the library, while massive, was different from that in the living room. ”

“ I believe everything and I believe nothing. Nor have I drawn any definite conclusions as yet. I admit frankly that I am up in the air for a solution of the mystery—as much as you are. The girl tells a straight story—such as it is. Harrelson’s story is also straight, and one reason I am inclined to give it credence is that, whether true or false, it is so framed that no jury would convict him under those circumstances. Then we have the possibility that the man knows the girl did it and is confessing to save her. ”