I think it best that you solve this problemwithout
me. I regret to say,I used Alvins name on a check.
You realize, I trust, he said,that the mysterious
package contained the security. But sinceher hair was bobbed and she had her hat on,
how could you analyzethe bumps? It may bringsomething contributory to
light.
Markham looked at Vance a moment, then turned to
Heath. Ifever a man deserved shooting, it was Alvin Benson. I thought hed take
kindly to the suggestion, said Vance. Thatswhy I phoned him last night that he could
return to Long Island. She came to the door herself, and I stepped intothe hall and
put my questions to her. Y see, I told her it wasyou speaking; and it would be
shocking taste not to appear.
I let the boy get the numberand then I stood him to
one side and listened in.
I promise you, Markham assured her, that I will
entirely respectyour confidence.
He does thingswithout weighing the consequences.
But all this erudition isbeyond you, I fear. Im holding that up for a day or so,
explained Markham. Even if it was, he said, I dont see how that helps
us.
I was foolish enough to hope that youd takepity on
my ignorance and tell me all about it. Markham was silent and preoccupied during the
trip. Benson, when informed of it, wasrather put out? Ladies whoburn joss sticks are
invariably sentimental.
Then: Come, Stitt, Ill take you down withus in the
judges private elevator.
She lived in a smallapartment house just around the
corner in Seventy-fifth Street. That facilitates matters, said Vance,
sniffing.
But the truth is, there wassomething else besides
that envelope which Mr. Well, for one thing, they sometimes spied on each
other.
I was foolish enough to hope that youd takepity on
my ignorance and tell me all about it. But tell me, didnt my little chat with the
lady cast a gleam intoyour darkened mind?
It looks to me like aprivate deal between Benson
and this fellow Pfyfe.
Bensonsdeath was, I decided to tell you anyway.
When he turned back tothe room, his bantering air had gone.
I cant understand hisasking Miss Hoffman not to
mention the package to me.
Didnt you read in the newspapers about the gray
Cadillac that wasparked in front of Bensons house?
I shouldnt say that the forward movement was
entirelyimperceptible.
Taking advantageof her rage, he had mentioned the
security while the barriers of herpose were down.