Part 4 (2/2)
”Thank Heaven, Raymond has brought somebody!” murmured the girl.
There was a short consultation at the front door and she heard the young man say: ”He has a perfect right here and I demand admittance for us both.” Then another murmur followed and the pair came upstairs.
They knocked on the door of Margaret's room and were admitted, and Mrs.
Morse was told that she might go.
”This gentleman has come to give Miss Langmore some advice,” said Raymond Case. ”If we want you we will call.”
”But I have orders--”
”Miss Langmore will remain in this room, so you have nothing to fear.
She has a legal right to receive advice.”
”Oh, if the gentleman is a lawyer I have nothing to say,” was the retort, and Mrs. Morse swept from the room.
The instant she was gone, the young man closed the door and then rushed up to Margaret Langmore and kissed her.
”I have succeeded!” he cried. ”I told you I would. This is Mr. Adam Adams. Mr. Adams, this is Miss Margaret Langmore. Now, I guess we are going to show these country b.u.mpkins a thing or two!” he added earnestly.
The detective advanced and shook hands. Margaret Langmore was a trifle disappointed in his appearance and her face clouded for an instant.
Raymond was quick to notice it.
”You mustn't judge a man by his appearance. Mr. Adams makes himself look that way on purpose. He's the smartest, swiftest--”
”That will do,” interrupted the detective with a brief smile.
”Will you help me?” The girl eyed the detective squarely. ”I--I need help so much.”
”I must hear your story first.”
”Oh, I thought Raymond would tell you everything.”
”He has told me all he knows. But I want to hear the story from your own lips. Something may have slipped him, you know.”
”I will tell you everything. Please sit down.”
Margaret Langmore began her narrative. It was fully an hour before she finished. Occasionally the detective asked a question, but for the most part he sat back with his eyes closed, as if thinking of something else.
”Now, Miss Langmore,” he exclaimed, as he straightened up at the conclusion of her recital, ”whom do you suspect of this crime?”
”I suspect no one, sir.”
”Have you any idea why this awful deed was committed?” The detective had been on the point of saying ”murder” but had checked himself.
”Not the least in the world.”
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