Clairbold picked up the sheet of paper, blushed, shuffled his feet.
“I have a statement here,” he said, handing me the paper. “It completely clears you, Mr. Cain. This man admits that Bat Thompson killed Herrick, Giles and Brodey, acting on his orders. They knew about the forgery plant. Killeano also admits he is responsible for issuing forged currency. I think you’ll find it in order.”
Dazed, I read the statement. It was a beautifully worded confession. Silently I handed it to Hoskiss who read it, said, “For God’s sake!”
“I deny every word of it,” Killeano babbled. “He was going to shoot me!”
“How did you persuade him to write this?” I asked Clairbold.
He fingered his tie nervously.
“I really don’t understand it myself, Mr. Cain,” he said, puzzled. “I think perhaps he was
frightened my gun wasn’t safe.” He shook his head. “He could be right because it went off unexpectedly when that man rushed in.” He waved his hand at the body by the printing plant. “Killeano thought I might shoot him accidentally. He was quite mistaken, of course, but when I suggested he might care to make a statement he seemed most anxious to do so.”
I looked at Hoskiss, who burst out laughing.
“Look,” I said to Clairbold, “you don’t kid me. You’re not half as dumb as you act. Son, you have a great future before you.”