“Then you think it likely that he dined with some of his official colleagues?”
“I am unable to express an opinion on the subject.”
“You had better ask his private secretary what engagements he made for Monday, and with whom he was last seen,” broke in Thornton.
“Mr. Philip Winthrop is in no condition to answer questions now. He will be examined before the coroner’s inquest when able to leave his room.”
“Then I do not see the object of this interview,” objected Thornton. “Young Mr. Winthrop is better able to tell you of Senator Carew’s movements that day than Mrs. Winthrop.”
“I cannot wait so long.” Brett shook his head decidedly. “What clews there are will grow cold, and I cannot afford to risk that. I am deeply interested in clearing up this terrible affair.”
“And do you think I am less so?” demanded Mrs. Winthrop indignantly. “On the contrary, Mr. Brett, I will move Heaven and earth to find the perpetrator of that dastardly deed. I have just told Colonel Thornton that I will offer a reward of one thousand dollars for information leading to the criminal’s arrest.”
“Ah, then you do not think the negro coachman, Hamilton, guilty?” put in Brett quickly.
“I have not said so,” but Mrs. Winthrop looked disconcerted for a second, then regained her usual serenity. “My idea in offering the reward was to assist your investigation, and Colonel Thornton agreed with me that it was an excellent plan.”
“Mrs. Winthrop,” the detective spoke with greater distinctness, “was Senator Carew on good terms with all the members of his family?”