“What’s being in the basement got to do with the murder?” Mason asked.
Steele said, “It’s beyond me. Tragg was down there prowling here and there, then came back and asked a lot of questions.”
Rebecca said, “I’m going to put a lock on my darkroom door. They pulled the door open and flung the dark curtain to one side, let daylight stream in, and fogged half a dozen films for me. Personally, I think the police should be more considerate.”
Mason said, “I find myself getting interested in that can. You say that Mr. Gentrie had used it to mix paint in, Mr. Steele?”
“That’s right. I guess it’s still down there.”
“How did he open it?”
“Oh, there’s a can-opening machine down there in the cellar.”
Rebecca said, “I’m certain you’ll agree with me, Mr. Mason, that it’s something that should be looked into. That tin didn’t grow on the shelf. It was a brand new tin. It hadn’t been there long — and why should anyone hermetically seal up an empty can?”
“I’m certain I don’t know,” Mason said.
“Well, neither do I, but someone did.”