"She said that she would explain nothing in case you should
get into trouble with the police. Can you explain that?"
"No," said Mallow, perplexed. "I really cannot be responsible
for the vagaries of a parlor-maid. I don't know the name
Susan Grant, and from your description of her appearance, I
never set eyes on her. I am quite sure your explanation is
the correct one. Juliet crave it to her aunt, and for some
ridiculous reason this girl stole it."
"But her remark about the police."
Mallow made a gesture of helplessness, and leaned his elbow on
the mantelpiece. "I can't guess what she means. Well, what
will you do now, Jennings?"
"First, I shall get the girl to come here and see you. Then I
shall ask Miss Saxon why she gave the photograph to Miss
Loach. You were not a favorite with the old lady, I gather."
"On the contrary, she liked me much more than I did her."
"You see. She liked you so much that she insisted on having
your photograph. I must ask Miss Saxon when she gave it.
Will you let me bring this girl to see you to-morrow?"
"Certainly. But it's all very unpleasant."
The detective rose to go. "Most matters connected with a
crime are, my dear fellow," said he calmly. "I only hope
there will not be any more unpleasantness."
"What do you mean?"
"I can't say what I mean--yet."
"You are mysterious, Jennings."
"I am perplexed. I don't seemed to advance. However, I
intend to follow up the clue of your photograph, though if the
explanation I suggest is the true one, there's nothing more to
be said.
Pages:
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104