Part 5 (2/2)
”Nothing, so far as we have been able to ascertain.”
”Was anything out of order, as if the a.s.sa.s.sin had been scared off while hunting around for something to steal?”
”I did not see anything. But I was so upset I noticed scarcely anything.”
”That was natural, of course. The safe has not yet been opened?”
”No, we are waiting for a man to come from the safe makers.”
”Now, one thing more. After you came back to the house before practicing what did you do?”
”I wrote some letters to girl friends, telling them I could not give a house party.”
”And before that?”
”I--I, must I tell? I threw myself on the bed yonder for a good cry.
It was silly, I know--but--but--”
”Did you hear anything unusual while you were here? Think carefully.”
”I have tried to think it out several times. Sometimes I think I heard some sort of a shriek, but I am not at all certain. Then, again, I think I heard the fall of something heavy on the floor. But it may be all fancy.”
”And that is all you can tell me?”
”Yes.” Margaret Langmore gave a long sigh. ”Oh, Mr. Adams, can you not do something for me? It is horrible to be suspected in this fas.h.i.+on. I cannot make a move without being watched!”
”It is certainly a cruel situation.” The detective paused. ”I am sure of one thing, Miss Langmore.”
”And that is--”
”That you are innocent. Those who think you are guilty are fools, as Mr. Case says.”
”Yet more than half the folks around here think that way.”
”Let them. We'll set to work to prove their mistake.”
”Good!” almost shouted Raymond Case, and his face broke out into a look of relief. ”Then you will take the case, Mr. Adams?”
”I will.”
”I know you will succeed.”
”If you do succeed, I shall be grateful to you all my life,” came from Margaret Langmore warmly.
CHAPTER IV
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