“You’ve given me the hunch habit,” said Biscayne, with a smile. “Maybe I’m wrong. Nevertheless, there was a lapse of exactly forty-eight hours between the first death and the second — one message two days ago; the other today. Our murderer seems to be methodical.
“And, now, Cardona, since I have spoken well of your plan for tonight, I am going to point out the fallacy of your reasoning.”
Cardona’s face clouded. Weston appeared interested. Biscayne was calm as he continued.
“I conceded,” said Biscayne, “that burglary might have been the only object of the man who killed Harshaw. On that basis, the man should return.
“But if burglary was his motive, primarily, how do you explain the note telling of Harshaw’s death? Especially as that note, like Glenn’s, was probably mailed before Harshaw died?”
Biscayne’s question dumfounded Cardona. The detective was at loss for a reply. He studied the professor grimly.
“Maybe there isn’t any use, then,” growled Cardona. “Keep Mayhew out of there. Is that your idea?”
“No,” said Biscayne calmly, “he should be there, by all means.”
“Then you’re going back to my argument,” insisted Cardona.
THE detective’s tone showed that he realized his cause was weak. Biscayne had stated an evident fact.