“That was the day I came upon you when you were trying to open it,” Penny recalled.
“Yes, but Laponi was prowling about the house and it was my bad luck that he happened in upon me at exactly the wrong time. Of course he guessed instantly that the ivories were locked in the safe.
“After that, I decided to get rid of him at any cost. I had a talk with him but even threats did no good.”
“Why didn’t you call in the police?” Penny asked. “Surely they would have provided you with protection.”
“I thought I would make one more effort to get the ivories from the safe. Then if I failed I intended to admit my identity and send for help. I might have done it sooner only the police commissioner and I once had a little trouble—nothing serious. It was an argument over a tract of land. Still, I knew he’d enjoy making me look ridiculous if ever he learned what I had done.”
“Your pride very nearly cost you a fortune,” Penny commented. She directed her gaze upon Max Laponi as she questioned: “How did you learn that Mr. Winters kept the ivory collection in this house?”
“That’s for you to find out,” the man jeered. “You’ll have a hard time proving anything against me.”
“This letter will be evidence enough,” Penny retorted. “It’s a plain case of forgery with intent to defraud. And then there’s the matter of the will.”
“The will wasn’t forged,” Mrs. Leeds cut in although Penny had not made such a claim.
“There never was a will,” Caleb informed.