As was my duty I went next to the district attorney's office to tell
him about Mrs. Cunningham and the gold bag, and to find out from him
anything I could concerning Gregory Hall. I found Mr. Porter calling
there, and both he and Mr. Goodrich welcomed me as a possible bringer of
fresh news. When I said that I did know of new developments, Mr. Porter
half rose from his chair.
“I dare say I've no business here,” he said; “but you know the deep
interest I take in this whole matter. Joseph Crawford was my lifelong
friend and near neighbor, and if I can be in any way instrumental in
freeing Florence from this web of suspicion--”