After explaining the situation to the Professor over the telephone, he was puzzled at his reply:
‘I’ll be right around, Inspector. From what you’ve told me, it looks like murder.’
[What justified the Professor’s belief that it was probably murder?]
41
The Professor Listens
‘Why the rush to get back to New York?’ inquired Fordney, a few minutes after Delavin stepped from the plane. ‘Thought you intended spending the summer in Cuba.’
‘Well, if you must know, my bank failed, and I came back to straighten out my affairs.’
‘That’s too bad, Delavin. How did you hear about it?’
He handed Fordney a clipping from the Jacksonville Herald:
New York, July 5. (AP)—Foundation Bank & Trust Co., one of New York’s oldest banking establishments, closed its doors today...
‘Sure you didn’t come back to help your pal Ryan?’ asked the Professor. ‘He’s been in jail for two days. Ever since the Fourth-of-July bombing. Had a letter on him signed by you asking him to get in touch with a C. J. Wallace.