Reederwaited before he asked a question in his
gentlest manner.
I have cogitated every hypothesis to its logical
conclusions, said RasLal in English.
He carried a suit-case in each hand, and
Mr.
Reeder, andSergeant Mills grinned a cheerful
welcome. Reeder, self-released from his duties,chose the Marylebone Police Court for
his recreation. In odd moments, through the thrilling first act, she stole aglance
at her companion. Reeder, being a fair man, admitted that she was a
fine-lookingwoman.
He had beensitting with his head on his arms for
the greater part of an hour.
He had an appointment with Ras Lal, and the
interview was entirelysatisfactory. Reeder tugged at the stout handle of his
umbrella. Melodramas appeal most to me because of theiridealism.
I think this is the place, miss, said the cabman,
and a girl steppeddown to the pavement.
The notes were issued three months ago to Mr.
Reeder had given his lip a rest and was now gently massaging hisnose.
Reeder crept along the wall until he could have
touched the girl.
Oh, yes, I remember seeingthe attendants sell them.
Reeder took the inspector up to the little room and showed him
itscontents.
He was not in court when the marble stealer was
sternly admonished bythe magistrate and discharged.
Sidney Telfer, nurse,companion, guardian and
wife.
Reederreturned to his chief with a report that
added nothing to the sum ofknowledge. Not that theres anything to catch meover-Ive
never done a crook thing in my life, as you well know. The hand that rested on the
rail of the dock was twice the sizeof any womans hand he had ever seen. In a second
there was a jagged gap through which the blackmuzzle of an automatic was
thrust.
Sidney Telfer sobbed his woe into his sleeve like a
child.
These also weresoiled, and their surfaces cut in a
hundred places. Before he could get into the building, the stuff would be putout of
sight.