“But, good heavens, if that’s the case — why, Karr’s on the spot. They’ll make him logical suspect number one.”
“Don’t overlook those fingerprints on the telephone,” Mason said. “They’re young Gentrie’s fingerprints all right. Lieutenant Tragg’s in something of a quandary.”
“And this trip is to steal a march on him?” she asked.
Mason said, “Not exactly.”
“What is it for?”
“Oh, just to look up a certain party,” Mason said.
“I suppose that means I’m not to try to worm a more definite answer out of you?”
“Don’t crowd me,” he said, smiling. “If I’m right, I want to do something spectacular. If I’m wrong, I don’t want to lose my reputation.”
“How’s Lieutenant Tragg coming?”
“Right on my tail. I’m not certain but what he may even be a couple of jumps ahead of me by morning, unless I take a short cut.”