A moan from the widow drew her daughter’s arm more tightly round her. She thrust her free hand into a pocket and drew out a bunch of keys.
“Take these. And excuse me. I must take my mother to her room. I will come back in a few minutes and go round with you to the Club.”
I was quick to open the door as the strange girl supported her mother out of the room. I had no sooner closed it again than my chief repeated her last words.
“The Club!—I fancy that young woman could tell us a good deal about her step-father if she chose. And now!”
He stepped towards the safe, found the right key, and threw open the door.
“What do you say has been taken, Cassilis?”
There could be no doubt as to the answer, although I went through the form of looking carefully inside before I gave it.
It was the doctor’s case-book that was missing, the book containing the secrets of the women.
CHAPTER V
DR. WEATHERED’S PATIENTS
My chief made a swift search through the safe. The cash drawers were empty, and he gave me a significant nod.