“Yes, I examined it carefully. Iron is a bad receiver. The hilt is of iron and the traces left are insufficient for any practical evidence.”
The housekeeper appeared.
“Just one question,” Norton addressed the white-faced woman soothingly. “Did Mr. Ballau have any callers in the afternoon or evening after Mr. De Medici had left?”
“There are so many people coming and going in this house,” Jane began, her eyes centered on the detective.
“Come, think now, Jane,” Norton persisted. “Did you see anybody in the apartment besides Mr. Ballau ... anybody at all?”
“I saw Mr. Ballau,” she answered softly. “I saw him.”
“When?”
“After dinner.”
“What did he say and how did he look?”
“He was coming out from shaving,” Jane answered. “I don’t remember he said anything.”