“And then you took the stiletto home and hid it?”
“Yes.”
“What for?”
“To shield his memory. Suicide is a coward’s act.”
“Rubbish!” Fibsy exploded, unable to keep quiet any longer. “I say, Miss Mystery, you are a mystery! Why don’t you tell what you know. It’s up to you. Here you were with the victim, shortly before his death, you probably know all about what happened. By the way, how did you get out?”
“Out the same way I came in.”
“And bolted that window-door behind you?”
“Oh—no—well, you see—”
“I see you are not to say another word, Miss Austin,” Trask decreed. “I’m very sorry I asked Mr. Stone to take up this case. However, I shall take you home now, then I’ll come back and I hope I can persuade Mr. Stone to discontinue his work. If I’d had any idea of these disclosures you’ve made, I never should have engaged his services. Come, Anita, I will take you home. Mr. Stone, await my return. I shan’t be long.”
The two went, and Stone, pacing up and down the long room said musingly, “All centers round that girl.”