I wasnt aware of it, she replied listlessly; though
Im notsurprised.
Vance put out hiscigarette and made a slight
deprecatory gesture.
You will kindly go to your room and wait
there.
In the drawer of the table in the
museum.
And here, toward the end,is the tem sign. Its as if
every one were in a conspiracy to confuseand complicate matters for us. Salveter
obviously could not understand Vancesindifferent attitude.
The woman pressed a small handkerchief to her eyes,
and left uswithout a word.
Vance yawned elaborately and inspected the newcomer
with a boredexpression.
He got off at GrandCentral Station and hurried to
the ticket office. Youve got some pretty definite idea; and all yourmaunderings
couldnt convince me to the contrary.
Vance lay back pensively for several moments. When
I came down to breakfast Brush told me he was working inthe study. Ifthe letter WAS
written, weve got to find it. Salveter leapt to his feet and fairly ran out of the
room. If itll saveher from any suspicion, Ill confess to the crime.
She had nothing to do with it, I tell
you!
And then I bethought me as to the meaningof these
three familiar words. If so, the elimination of Blisswould not drive her to suicidal
grief. The Sergeant rocked back andforth on his feet. Then I went to Sakss,
andfinally dropped in at a little shop on Madison Avenue. You think, then, we did
right in releasing your husband?
But who could have benefited by Blisss entanglement
in the crime?
That is, I dont see howit could be possible, she
ended weakly. It was rather dark, and he didnt see metill hed reached the floor of
the museum.
And then I bethought me as to the meaningof these
three familiar words. This bird made a coupla mistakes and, seeing he was caught,
triedto get outa the country. He sat down in the swivel chair and laid the torn bits
of yellowpaper on the blotter.
You think, then, we did right in releasing your
husband?
Must you always be thinkin of clappin personsinto
oubliettes? Vance nodded encouragingly and, takingMarkham by the arm, walked back
toward the drawing-room.
What time did you enter the museum this morning?
That is, I dont see howit could be possible, she ended weakly.
Vance selected one of his two remainingcigarettes.
Vance placed his finger on one of the groups of characters.
Vance had lit his cigarette and was smoking
dreamily. The words were spoken with impulsive venom.
Vance caught Markhams eye and nodded significantly.
Thenhe folded up Salveters original letter and placed it in his pocket.
Vance put out hiscigarette and made a slight
deprecatory gesture.