But if Rand had hoped to secure information of value from the old recluse, he was disappointed. When questioned about the events of the night before, his answers were evasive. He knew nothing about the poke. He had seen no poke. The money-box, slightly battered, which Toma brought forth as evidence, belonged to him, he admitted. Why the thieves had not taken the box, Creel could not understand. It contained upward of five thousand dollars in currency.
“If this box and money belongs to you,” Rand demanded, “what was Frischette doing with them? The boys say that Frischette had this box in his possession here only two days ago. What was he doing with it?”
Creel met the policeman’s eyes unflinchingly.
“The boys must be mistaken,” he wagged his head. “The box is mine. Until last night no one has seen it. People call me a miser. Those men, who came last night, were disappointed because they expected to find more.”
Rand scowled. He saw the uselessness of further questioning. Though Creel might be aware of Frischette’s treachery, it was evident that he had no intention of attempting to obtain revenge upon him. To incriminate his confederate, would be to incriminate himself. Both would go to jail. Creel was wise enough to see that.
“Perhaps,” said Rand grimly, “you’ll have more to tell us when we bring your friend, Frischette, back and obtain possession of that poke. You could save yourself a lot of trouble by giving me a confession now.”
“I have nothing to confess,” Creel declared obdurately. “I do not understand Frischette’s disappearance. But even if you do find him and bring him back, you’ll learn nothing of value. Frischette is my friend and I know that he is not Dewberry’s murderer, that he is innocent of all wrong.”
The policeman rose to his feet, walked over and looked down at the old recluse.
“I didn’t say that Frischette murdered Dewberry. I’m convinced that MacGregor did that, just as much as I’m convinced that either you or Frischette secured the money and poke that belonged to the murdered man.”
Thus openly accused, Creel shrank back. His hands trembled. Yet, in a moment, the weakness had passed. Again, unflinchingly, he met the gaze of the man opposite.