“Caulkins went there and discovered Tolland. It is obvious that the judge decided to tell the reporter his story. So Caulkins called his city editor. First, he mentioned Tolland, but quickly turned to the important information— the identity of Double Z. He could have learned it from only one source — from Judge Tolland. Therefore, it is safe to suppose that Tolland had given Caulkins proof — for instance, a threat from Double Z.”
“The paper in the reporter’s hand!” exclaimed Mann.
“Exactly,” confirmed the soft whisper. “Tolland was expecting danger from Double Z. While Caulkins was phoning, Tolland was beside him. The position of the chair and the telephone — at one side of the table-indicates that. Picture the situation. Then realize that at the crucial moment, Double Z entered the room!”
“I see it now!” exclaimed Mann.
“Four shots,” went on the voice. “Four well-aimed shots, that accomplished two purposes: First, the death of Caulkins, before he could complete his statement. Second, the death of Judge Tolland, which Double Z had sought.”
“But there were four bullets in the body of Caulkins—”
“Certainly. Two were fired after the telephone was hung up by the murderer. Two shots to make it look as if a bungler had done the work. There is one of Cardona’s fallacies. Two shots were perfectly placed; two were wide. A man may be a good shot or a bad one — he is never both. Double Z would not have attempted murder himself without being sure of his own ability.”
“But only one body was found in the room,” objected Mann.
“The body of Judge Tolland was removed. The evidence of his death and his removal were both obvious. A tiny bloodstain on the carpet— away from the spot where Caulkins lay. Then, more spots on the stairway. Places where shoulders had rubbed against the wall. It took two men to remove the body.”
“There was some one besides Double Z?”