“It may be so,” he replied, with a thoughtful look at her. “Where could such a snake have come from?”
“It was brought by the burglar, of course,” said Pauline, quickly.
“I don’t mean that; but where could it be bought?”
“Oh, at Vantine’s or any Japanese shop,” said Pauline, “or at some of the department stores.”
“Could you, by inquiry, find out if Miss Carrington purchased it herself at any of those places?”
“I could inquire; but I am sure, Mr. Stone, that Aunt Lucy never bought such a thing.”
“It would simplify matters somewhat if you would kindly find out,” and Stone nodded at her, as if to stamp this suggestion a definite request.
The conversation went on, and no one noticed that so deftly did Fleming Stone guide it that only facts were brought out. No sooner did any one begin to formulate an opinion or theory than he skilfully turned the subject or changed the drift of the discussion.
He gathered from facial expressions and manners much that he wanted to know, he learned the attitudes of the various members of the household toward each other, and he came to the conclusion that as Gray Haviland had engaged him, and as he stood as business head of the estate by authority of Carrington Loria, to Haviland should his reports be made.
“Tell me more of Mr. Loria,” Stone said, at last, after many matters had been discussed.