“I didn’t notice. As I say, at the time I thought nothing about seeing her.”
“I think Mr. Hatfield should know about this, and maybe the police,” said Dan. “So far, the only clue found is a black jet button. Apparently, it came from a woman’s dress. But how could a woman have known about the box?”
The milkman did not try to answer. Already late on his route, he started toward his wagon.
“I won’t get a chance to talk to Mr. Hatfield until late tonight,” he called over his shoulder. “If you think what I told you means anything, Dan, let him know for me.”
“I’ll do it right away,” the boy promised.
Even before the milk wagon was out of sight, he had gathered up his materials.
“Mom, how about rushing breakfast?” he asked, carrying both the milk and his work into the kitchen. “I want to see Mr. Hatfield before I go to school.”
“I’ll set the food right on,” his mother promised.
Dan ate on the fly. “Don’t look for me after school tonight,” he advised as he banged out the door. “The Cubs are having a cook-out.”
At the Hatfield home, Dan found the Cub leader, his wife, and Fred eating their own breakfast.