A. “I don’t remember. I failed to notice.”
Q. “What gave you the impression that murder had been committed?”
A. “It was obvious. The room was in disorder.”
Q. “You discussed the case at the time with Lieutenant Norton?”
A. “Yes. I am aware of his theory.”
De Medici surprised a look of amusement in the detective’s face. An irritation came into his nerves. Yes, they were playing, peering out amusedly from behind concealed evidence.
“May I speak openly?” De Medici inquired. He had leaned forward in his chair. He caught a nod from the lieutenant. The coroner answered:
“Yes. Go on and tell us in your own way what you believe happened. We want to get at the bottom of this mystery and if you have any ideas as a result of what you know we will be glad to hear them.”
“From the questions that were asked Miss Ballau,” De Medici began, his eyes fixed on the lieutenant, “it struck me that one of the police theories might be that Miss Ballau killed her father in order to profit by his insurance money, knowing at the time that they were financially ruined. This is obviously a ridiculous notion. For Miss Ballau has testified from the first that she is convinced her father committed suicide. Inasmuch as she knows that if this is proved the insurance company will not have to pay her the money that is collectable if Mr. Ballau was murdered, the theory becomes untenable.”
“I see,” said the coroner. “But we have not as yet made any remarks or comments which might be construed as supporting such a theory.”