“Another one.”
“Another what?”
“Another empty tin on the shelf,” she said.
Mrs. Gentrie turned to where Lieutenant Tragg was drawing up a chair close to Rebecca, preparatory to the intimacy of a low-voiced conversation.
Tragg looked up.
Mrs. Gentrie said, “Hester says there’s another empty tin on the shelf in the basement, Lieutenant.”
Tragg came up out of the chair and reached the cellar door with long, quick strides. He pushed past Mrs. Gentrie and took the cellar stairs two at a time.
“Where is it?” Tragg asked Hester.
“Here. I...”
“Good Lord, don’t touch it!” Tragg shouted.