Next step, said Chan to the sheriff, finger-prints.
Iwill proceed to examine fatal pistol and discover not a print on it. Chapter
VDOWNWARD NO DOORThe five men descended to the living-room at once.
The girls eyes hadfollowed him, fascinated, and now
her scream rang out sharply in theroom.
Bygad, that lad knows how to drive his old
two-seater.
I know, my dear, said the host, as he closed the
door. The lights in the study were out, but for a first glance the
moonlightsufficed. It was still warm, he noted through thehandkerchief. Last week
Icalled on Ellen in Reno to invite her over to the Tavern for dinner.
I had an inspiration when Dudley herecalled up and
invited me to drop in on him. He sought to kneel beside the singer, but againChan
restrained him.
Others, then, must have known she carried it, mused
Chan. It is too cold for you here, with these windows open.
He appeared to be lost in thought, and indeed he
was. Chapter VDOWNWARD NO DOORThe five men descended to the living-room at
once.
Ward was just telling me you was here, on a visit
to him. Others, then, must have known she carried it, mused Chan. With some
difficulty, he knelt upon thefloor, and placed his fingers gently on Landinis
wrist.
Ward was just telling me you was here, on a visit
to him.
And just inside the windows, close to her feet,
laya dainty, snub-nosed revolver.
The young man nervously cleared histhroat. Charlie
removed his handkerchief from his pocket and stooping over,picked up the weapon.
After many years I encounter snow, and the clue of thefootstep is denied
me.
Romano, Ward said, that you comply with
MadameLandinis wishes.
He was conscious of figures in the upper hall as he
passed,figures he did not pause to identify.
Sight of paper and pencil sometimeshas deleterious
effect on speaker. But Latins do not become so excitablethey forget where financial
advantage lies.
Ill see about it, and then Ill get down tothose
lights. You willperceive that your new assistant has sinking spells of stupidity.
And just inside the windows, close to her feet, laya dainty, snub-nosed revolver.
Blanket, he announced, his high shrill voice sounding oddly out ofplace at that
moment.
He stoodfor a moment, staring down at the dead
woman on the floor. You and Leslie go backby car from the Tavern. Great marvels
happen all times, and world gets less human byminute. Thesehighballs of yours,
Dudley, excuse anything, he laughed.