“Because the old man was very particular that no one should enter this room.”
“Why?”
“We do not know, unless the answer is in the code message which we found in the drawer. I have traced Marchand’s career. It is above reproach. He had no enemies.
“He retired from the woolen business twenty years ago. Since then he had increased his wealth by profitable investments.
“Willis is familiar with all of his financial affairs, and they were very simple.”
“If there was nothing here,” observed Klein, “why did the burglar enter?”
“Marchand is known to own some valuable jewelry’” said Cardona. “The gems were owned by his deceased wife. They are not kept here. They are in a safe-deposit vault.
“My theory is that the burglar thought they were somewhere in this room, yet he didn’t try the safe.”
“Hm-m-m!” observed the inspector. “Maybe both times he was discovered before he had an opportunity to make a thorough search.”
“Still, I can see no connection between his attempts and the death of Marchand,” said Cardona. “Willis thought there might be a connection; but he has no theory. Nevertheless, he called in the police.”