I offered first in evidence the memorandum of money and the rubber band still around it. The slight crumpling of the paper, seemed to show a hasty removal of the money,—if money had been enclosed.
"This seems to me to be of decided importance," commented Mr. Ross; "indeed, unless some member of the household can throw light on the matter, I shall conclude that a sum of money was stolen from Mr. Pembroke, and that the robbery constituted the motive for either previous or subsequent murder."
This seemed to me both rational and logical, and I waited with interest the next questions.
Mr. Ross first addressed Miss Pembroke.
"Do you know anything concerning this money?" he inquired, simply.
Janet Pembroke was sitting on a sofa, next to Laura. As, with the exception of the colored servant, they were the only women present, Laura assumed the attitude of chaperon and protector to the young girl. And it was doubtless due to my sister's sympathy and support, that Miss Pembroke was preserving a calm demeanor. But at the Coroner's question, she became greatly agitated. She trembled, and her fingers grasped nervously at Laura's arm as she stammered a reply.
"I—I—I know that Uncle Robert had a large sum of money in his possession yesterday."
"Where did he get it?"
"His lawyer, Mr. Leroy, brought it to him night before last."