He was a quiet, sagacious,
middle-aged man who evidently thought deeply about whatever he had in
hand.
"It's difficult to say, Mr. Purdie," he answered. "I've no doubt that when
we get to the bottom of this case it'll turn out to be a very simple one--
but the thing is to get to the bottom. The ways are complicated, sir--
uncommonly so! At present we're in a maze--seeking the right path."
"Do you think that this Parslett affair has anything to do with the
Multenius affair?" asked Purdie.
"Yes--undoubtedly!" answered the detective. "There's no doubt whatever in
my own mind that the man who poisoned Parslett is the man who caused the
old pawnbroker's death--none! I figure it in this way. Parslett somehow,
caught a glimpse of that man leaving Multenius's shop--by the side-door,
no doubt--and knew him--knew him very well, mind you! When Parslett heard
of what had happened in Multenius's back-parlour, he kept his knowledge to
himself, and went and blackmailed the man. The man gave him that fifty
pounds in gold to keep his tongue quiet--no doubt arranging to give him
more, later on--and at the same time he cleverly poisoned him.
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