Then he proceeded a little more calmly.
“It seems I hadn’t been at the side door of Grandoken’s shack a minute before Theodore drove up.”
Molly’s hands came together.
“Theodore?” she repeated breathlessly.
“Yes, and the Bates man was with Grandoken. I heard loud talking, stole into the little hall, and found the back 241 part of the house empty. Jinnie wasn’t there; at least I didn’t see her. Bates had already inveigled Mrs. Grandoken away. I opened the door into the cobbler’s shop just as Theo was striking Bates in the face. I waited a minute, and as Theo struck out again, I fired––”
“Fired!” gasped Molly.
“Yes, at Grandoken. I wanted to kill him––”
“But Theo—you might have hit Theodore, Jordan.”
“But I didn’t, I tell you! I’m sure I didn’t. If I hit any one, ’twas Bates or the cobbler.... Get back near the veranda for fear Theodore ’phones.”
No sooner had the words left his lips than a bell sounded from the house. Molly ran up the steps. As she took down the receiver, she dropped it, but picked it up again.