Apparently no attention was paid to his request, for the glass was again placed at his lips. Again he tried to thrust it from him, but his feeble efforts made no impression against the strong wrist. His resistance only lasted a few minutes, then his weaker will surrendered to the stronger, and he sipped the medicine obediently, after which the glass was withdrawn.
Downstairs in the library three men sat smoking around the large desk table.
"I am glad you could join us to-night, Colonel Thornton," said Brett, as he placed one of the ashtrays conveniently near the lawyer. "Three heads are better than one, and it is time we got together and discussed certain features of this case."
"Quite right, it will help us to a clearer understanding," agreed the Colonel.
"Then suppose, Mr. Hunter, that you first tell us any theories which you may have formed."
Douglas dropped the paper-cutter he was balancing in his hand, and, leaning on the table, looked seriously at his companions. "I think," he said deliberately, "that Philip Winthrop has a guilty knowledge of Senator Carew's death, if he is not the actual murderer."
"Your reasons," demanded Colonel Thornton.
"There was bad blood between them, that has been proved," Douglas picked his words with care. "Possibly the quarrel was brought about because Senator Carew had found out something discreditable in Philip Winthrop's past. He had a responsible position as the Senator's private secretary, and there is a chance he betrayed his trust."
"It may be that he is in the pay of some lobby anxious to influence important legislation." Douglas, mindful of the Secretary of State's caution, was feeling his way with care.
"Senator Carew was the last man to be influenced by such a character as Philip Winthrop," said Thornton contemptuously.
"He may not have tried to do so, but simply have betrayed valuable information of committee plans and caucus."
"That may be," acknowledged Thornton, "particularly as I am told that Philip has been spending a great deal of money lately; far more than his salary would warrant."
"'Value received.'" Douglas shrugged his shoulders expressively. "I have also found out that Hamilton, the coachman, is a Jamaican negro, his real name being Samuel Hamilton Quesada, and that he was brought here nearly two years ago by young Winthrop when he returned from a visit to Jamaica. The Senator took him into his employ at the former's request and recommendation."