Pfyfeshook his head as if lamenting the
incomprehensible irony of life.
It might proveunfair to Alvin to withhold the
gentlemans name.
And you knew, didnt you, that they left the
restaurant atmidnight, and that Miss St. It may be you lent it to someoneprior to
that morning. You knew, didnt you, continued Markham, that Miss St.
I couldnt credit it whenI read it in the
papers.
Im glad, at any rate, it hasnt to do with
internationalpolitics, returned Markham good-naturedly.
Ive been deeply wronged, hecomplained
sadly.
Boon companions, as they called em in theold days.
But he neitherglanced at the district attorney nor spoke. My humble opinion is
thatyouve merely unearthed a conspiracy.
My strength is as the strength of ten because
myheart is pure is a mere Sunday school pleasantry.
The girl dined with Bensonand returned to his house
afterward. Before Markham could reply, Swacker appeared at the door and saidHeath
had arrived.
Was it one of these women whom Benson had dealt
with unfairly thatyou had in mind? Was it a revolver or an automatic
pistol?
You know all the people in Bensons set, Colonel.
Hisface was rotund, and his jowls hung in two loops over a collar tootight for
comfort. Its obvious, commented Vance, that you overlooked theilluminatin flashes in
the colonels thunder. Very well,sir; I admit I made the threat. Markham was far from
amiable, and gave him an almost brusquesalutation. The woman over whom the tiff
occurred is more capable ofsuch an act than he is.
Yes, saw it and recognized it as an army gun,
persisted Markham,in a level voice.
For the first time the colonel appeared hesitant
about answering. He waited, and for a wholeminute there was silence in the
room.
And you really havent gotthe criminal agent, y
know. Shes a singer and, I dont mind tellin you, a mighty fine one.
But in the circumstnces youwill be
forgiven.
When he spoke his voice, heretofore truculent,
wascolored by anxiety.
Could you getany kind of a lead from the
St.
You, of course, headded, with sarcasm, knew before
Emery came here that it wasPfyfes car.
In that case, why did you keep it in the city at
all? The other appeared to think the matter over.
Just how well did Captain Leacock know Benson? Your
ex post facto wisdom is most useful! The colonel looked startled, but Vances
innocuous _expression_ seemedto reassure him. And he popped tigers and wild boarsin
Africa for a while.
Clair of havinganything to do with the
affair.
At any rate, I cant say thatthey exactly blinded me
by their brilliance. Do you mind if I invite Colonel Ostrander along to lunch?