“Not that I know of,” Viola answered. “Still I might help you out if it wasn't too complicated. I remember that water is H two O and that sulphuric acid is H two S O four. But that's about all.”
“Would you know what fifty-eight C H one sixty-one, with a period after the C, a dash after the H and a star after the last number was?” the colonel asked casually.
Viola shook her head.
“I'm afraid I wouldn't,” she answered. “That is too complicated for me. Isn't it a shame we learn so much that we forget?'
“Still it may have its uses,” said the colonel. “I'll have to get a book on chemistry, I think.”
He turned to go out.
“Have you learned anything more?” Viola asked timidly.
“Nothing to speak about,” was the answer.
“Oh, I wish you would find out something—and soon,” she murmured. “This suspense is terrible!” and she shuddered as the detective went out.
It was late that afternoon when Colonel Ashley, having seen Miss Mary Carwell and Viola walking at the far end of the garden, went softly up the stairs to the room of the girl who had summoned him to The Haven. With a skill of which he was master he looked quickly but carefully through Viola's desk, which was littered with many letters and telegrams of condolence that had been answered.