Of course this was possible, and it added to the inference of some that a burglar, used to such work, had entered the place, and, being detected at work by Mrs. Darcy, had killed her.
However, there was not so much as a cuff button missing, as far as could be learned after the contents of the store had been checked up, though of course an intruder might have been frightened off before he had taken anything.
Many of Darcy's friends could not help but admit that appearances were against him. He and his cousin had quarreled, somewhat bitterly, over money, and about his refusal to give up work on his electric lathe. There was also King's testimony about words over Amy, though Darcy contended that this talk was nothing more than his relative had indulged in before regarding the unsuitableness of the match. Darcy admitted resenting his cousin's imputation.
All this Colonel Ashley had taken into consideration before he sent the telegram. And, having done that, and having had a talk with Darcy at the jail, as well as a consultation with the lawyer, having visited Harry King and seen Singa Phut, the detective paid another visit to the jewelry shop.
"And what can I do for you to-day, Colonel?" asked Mr. Kettridge, who, by this time, had the business running smoothly again. "Have you gotten any further into the mystery?"
"Not as far as I would like to get. I'm going to browse about here a bit, if you have no objection."
"Not at all. Make yourself at home."
"I will. First, I'd like to see that statue—the one of the hunter, with which it is supposed Mrs. Darcy was struck."
"Oh, that is at the prosecutor's office—that and Harry King's unfortunate paper knife."
"So they are. I had forgotten. Well, I'll look about a bit then.
Don't pay any attention to me. I'll go and come as I please."