“Morocco Kate, who called on you, has more than one killing to her credit in this game, and she has managed to keep out of jail because her victims were afraid of the publicity of prosecuting. And it was so foolish of them for, in most cases, it was just mere foolishness on their part, and nothing criminally, or even morally, wrong, though they may have been indiscreet.”
“And you think my father—”
“I don't know anything about it, Viola, my dear!” was the prompt answer. “Your father may have dealt in a legitimate way with this woman, buying books from her because she cajoled him into it, though he could have done much better with any reputable house. As I say, he may have simply bought some books from her, and not have made the final payments on account of his death. Whether the contract he entered into is binding or not I can't say until I have seen it.”
“But I found nothing about books among his papers!”
“No? Then perhaps it was a verbal contract. Or he may have been—” The colonel stopped. Viola guessed what he intended to say.
“Do you think he was—Do you think this woman may make trouble?” she asked bravely.
“I don't know. We must find out more about her. If she comes again, hold her and send for me. I didn't want her to see me to-day to know that I was on this case. But I don't mind now.”
“Oh, suppose there should be some—some disgrace?”
“Don't worry about that, Viola. But now, I have some rather startling news for you.”
“Oh, more—”