"I had intended going out to Riverside Drive at once, but I have changed my mind," McKelvie explained. "I want to look at the exhibits before I view the scene of the crime. The scent is decidedly cold. I must see what I can do to warm the trail."
"Do you think the police will let you see them?" I asked dubiously.
"We can do no more than ask. I have influence yonder," with a nod of the head toward the massive abode of the representatives of law and order. "Besides I would be a poor specimen indeed if I couldn't bamboozle Jones into giving me whatever I want."
"You know Jones, then?"
"We have crossed one another's paths occasionally. Why?"
"He's persuaded Ruth is guilty. He unearthed most of the evidence against her," I warned, "and he will guard it jealously."
"Not Jones. It's only natural that you should be prejudiced against him, of course. But really he's not a bad sort, and he's only doing his duty as he sees it."
"You are not small-minded at any rate," I answered smiling.
"Oh, well, I always believe in giving the devil his due," he returned with a mocking laugh as he ascended the steps.