"You’ve got the boys at Headquar
ters stirred up. There’s a rumor
flying around that you’ve got on to
something red-hot up here."
Harper nodded. “As 1 told you
last night, Jack, when It comes to
murders 1 have a natural distrust of
unusual and complicated layouts. 1
don't like some of the points about
this affair, and after talking them
v
Mmm ^ ■
l
i
“Stop, please—you make it sound so real.’
i
Aline made an eloquent gesture
i “Stop, please," she begged. "You
make It sound so real. I can see that
! poor man walking up the steps, leav,
! ing his footprints in the snow. nof
knowing that be was going to hit
death."
She paused, then went on ear
nestly. “Of course, we shall do
everything possible to assist you.
Mr. Harper. 1 know there are lots
of questions you want to ask about
the house, and the servants, and all
. that sort of thing. Please feel free
j to call upon me at any time for suet)
I Information. It is my sister's home,
| but 1 am perfectly familiar with all
the details."
Harper bowed. “Thank you. Mrs.
Croyden. 1 shall have lots of ques
tions. but first 1 have to chart my
line of Inquiry."
Aline smiled In her friendly man
ner. ‘There are many questions J
would like to ask, too." she replied,
“but I'll restrain my curiosity until
i more auspicious time. Meanwhile,
all our facilities are at your dis
posal. I suppose you will be in this
room a great deal?"
“Yes, this will be my office and
| headquarters while 1 am working on
the case."
"I’ll leave you to your labors,
then,” she responded, “and 1 wish
you success."
“Thank you again, Mrs. Croyden.
