Frank smiled a little, for he and Lanky had talked over the same question.
“Wallace and I talked about that very thing when we got back to the boat. From the things we saw in the upper room and from what Mrs. Parsons told us about the queer noises she heard, I believe they were already in the house.”
“All right,” answered the chief. “Now, then, if there was a car which took those men away, will you please tell me why it wasn’t there when Mrs. Parsons came home?”
“Really, since I was not there at that time and since my guess isn’t any better than that of any one else, I don’t know.” Frank felt a little nettled at being the target for questions of opinion.
“Well, Mr. Allen,” pursued the chief, “perhaps you have some idea, since you and your friend have talked about it.”
“I have,” said Frank. “I believe the car arrived at the roadway and let the men out. They then proceeded to the house, and the car did not come for them until some prearranged signal had been given.”
At this remark Fred Cunningham leaned over and said something in a whisper to one of the police.
The chief turned toward him immediately.
“Mr. Cunningham, we’re going to hear your story in a little while. Please do not talk with others meanwhile.”
So Cunningham had a story to tell! Frank wondered what it would be.