“I was searching for something I thought might be on the back seat,” Penny explained.
“Indeed? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
“I was looking for a camera and plates.”
“I regret I still fail to follow you,” the man said stiffly. “Why should our car contain a camera? My wife and I take no interest in photography.”
“Aren’t you Professor Bettenridge?”
“I am.”
Penny gazed again at the car. “This must be the automobile,” she said, deeply troubled. “On the night of the Conway Steel Plant explosion, I tossed a camera and photographic plates into the back seat to prevent them being destroyed by a mob.”
“Not this car,” said the professor with quiet finality. “I have not been in Riverview for nearly a month.”
“A woman who resembled your wife was driving the car.”
“Are you accusing me of stealing a camera?” the woman demanded angrily.