“They can’t make me say anything.” A cunning look came into his complacent face. “And, besides, who’s going to engage a lawyer?”
“The family of the deceased gentleman might wish to do so.”
“Both of the sons are abroad and could not be back in time.”
“But is there not a daughter here? I understood so.”
Whitmarsh gave a short, unpleasant laugh and turned to look at his mother.
“Madeline won’t. You may bet your bottom tikkie it’s the last thing she would want.”
The little old creature gazed admiringly at her big showy son and responded with an appreciative grimace that made her look more humorously rat-like than ever.
“He! he! Missie won’t,” she tittered. “That would never do. He! he!” Wink succeeded nod and meaning smile until she relapsed into a state of quietness; and Parkinson, who had been fascinated by her contortions, was unable to decide whether she was still laughing or had gone to sleep.
Carrados stayed a few more minutes and before they left he asked to see the watch.
“A unique memento, Mr Whitmarsh,” he remarked, examining it. “I should think this would become a family heirloom.”