“Any one but a detective could have opened it without a key,” I replied, somewhat snappishly, “if they had had the penetration to discover that the hinges are broken. You simply swing the lid around this way.”
“Dear, dear, and so we keep a restaurant, do we? I believe I now understand the slight trepidation which you manifested on being requested to deliver up your keys. Reassure yourself. I am retained to unravel but one mystery; any others which may tumble into my possession during the search will be as safe as though buried in the grave. I believe this is all, as far as the rooms are concerned. If Miss Smith will accompany me now to the library, I will take her personal deposition.”
Mr. Mudge was in the main kind. He did not alarm me in the least, and asked but few questions.
“Have you reason to suspect any one?”
“No.”
“Very good. Did you see any one in the parlor the night of the robbery?”
“Yes, Winnie.”
“But you did not suspect her when you discovered that the money was gone?”
“No, Winnie was honest and open as the day; it was impossible that she could take it.”
“Hum, your parlor-mate, Miss Vaughn, does not share your opinion of your friend. Do you know of any reason for the coolness which apparently exists between them?”