Ralph Fergus’ hand groped at the vacant spot on his coat.
“What does a button have to do with the bob-sled accident?” inquired Harvey Maxwell.
“It happens that we found a large brown button in the tool house at the Downey lodge,” replied Penny. “Also a little additional evidence which rather suggests Mr. Fergus is the one who tampered with the bob-sled.”
“Ridiculous!” protested the hotel man. “I’ve not even been near Mrs. Downey’s lodge in weeks.”
“I know that’s a lie,” said Peter Jasko. “I saw you goin’ up that way Friday night.”
“And you went there to damage the bob-sled!” Sara accused. “You didn’t care how many persons might be injured in an accident!”
Ralph Fergus’ face was an angry red. “What reason would I have for doing anything like that?” he demanded.
“Guests were being drawn from your hotel because bob-sledding was increasing in popularity,” said Penny quietly. “Nothing would please you more than to put Mrs. Downey out of business.”
“Aren’t you drawing rather sweeping conclusions?” inquired Harvey Maxwell in an insolent tone. “A button isn’t very certain evidence. So many persons wear buttons, you know.”
“I lost this one from my coat weeks ago,” added Ralph Fergus.