“Well, he was there also. I refer to two men besides Chatham. One was a gentleman of reputed underworld connections, known as Gunner Macklin. The other was a prominent neurologist called Doctor Albert Palermo.”
“And they—”
“Apparently they were not acquaintances. Macklin is one of the smoothest figures of gangdom. No one has the goods on him.
“Doctor Palermo possesses a high reputation. But it is my theory that the two worked together. While one — probably Macklin — put an end to Lloyd Harriman’s life, the other — therefore, Palermo — made a systematic search of Harriman’s apartment.
“I feel positive that they made a considerable haul between them, in cash, or marketable securities. At the same time, there is no evidence that they obtained the most important article they were after.”
“The purple sapphire?”
“Exactly.”
Burke became contemplative.
“If you obtained all this evidence,” he began, “it would seem to me — “
“I obtained no evidence,” interrupted Harry. “I have only indications. I was working upon information given me — upon suspicions, which were partly the result of your study through old newspaper files.