"Perhaps you would like to hear me talk to them now," suggested Davidson, turning to Chadwick.
"Well" — the young man spoke uncertainly, then began to nod — "I guess it would be best.
Yes, it would be best." The reporters tramped into the room and looked at the group of men and women assembled there. They turned to Davidson for an explanation.
It was forthcoming. The detective spoke in a methodical tone, indicating individuals as he discussed them.
"This is Denby Chadwick," he explained, pointing out the young man. Chadwick, solemn-faced, nodded in corroboration. The reporters noted his neat attire and his weary look.
"Chadwick," said Davidson, "is the only relative of the murdered man. Grant Chadwick was his uncle. Denby Chadwick is the branch manager of the Mayo Safe Lock Co. He has charge of the Philadelphia office.
"After Mrs. Martha Birch discovered the body of Grant Chadwick, at eight o'clock this morning, we questioned her and learned that she was presumably the last person who had seen Grant Chadwick alive.
"The old man was murdered sometime between five-thirty Saturday night and eight o'clock this morning — Monday morning. The physician's report states that Grant Chadwick was probably dead for twenty-four hours before his body was found.
"Mrs. Birch reports latching the door on her departure Saturday, and unlocking it upon her arrival this morning. We have found no traces of forcible entry.
"Eliminating the slim possibility of suicide, we quizzed Mrs. Birch, and found her to be a most useful informant. The only person who ever visited Grant Chadwick was his nephew — this gentleman here.