“I cannot reach any other conclusion.” Dick stopped a moment to check off his deductions on his fingers. “First, there is the possibility of Gordon’s being Mrs. Trevor’s first husband—anyway, an old lover. Secondly, he certainly was there that night. Probably Trevor returned in time to catch them together.”
“Or perhaps he overheard their conversation, waited until Gordon left, then had it out with his wife,” interjected Long, quickly. “He may have lost his temper—biff! Poor devil!” remorsefully. “We must not judge too hastily, Dick; we don’t know what provocation he had—he may have been insanely jealous, like Othello, for instance.”
“Think of having to go and ask a man why he murdered his wife—oh, Lord!—oh, damn!” Dick’s lamentations changed to maledictions. To emphasize his remarks he had inadvertently used too much strength in forcing his sleeve button through his cuff, and one of the links had broken in his hand. “Here, help yourself to a cigarette,” pushing a box towards Long, “while I mend this confounded button. Why aren’t you dining at the White House to-night?”
“Not sufficiently urged. Nothing under a Major-General was invited to meet his Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke. The Russians are a mighty fine looking race of men, Dick, and the Grand Duke’s staff is no exception to the rule.”
“Is that so? I met a very distinguished looking Russian last night, a Count de Smirnoff. He spoke our language much better than most foreigners.”
“Oh, his nation are all good linguists. Is the Count a member of the Grand Duke’s staff?”
“De Morny didn’t tell me. By the way, we discussed the Trevor murder last night, and Count de Smirnoff suggested that the burglar may have picked up the broken end of the weapon used to kill Mrs. Trevor, and being in no immediate fear of the hangman, is holding it back to use as blackmail when he gets out of jail.”
“That’s not a bad theory,” said Long. “Look into it, Dick. The deeper we get in this affair the more involved it becomes. At present,” rising as he saw Dick pick up his overcoat and hat, “it looks as if the Attorney General were indeed the guilty man. And yet, Dick, if those three people had a scene that night, Gordon, if innocent, must suspect Trevor. Then why doesn’t he speak out and clear himself?”
Dick shook his head despondently. “It’s beyond me,” he groaned. “Come down and see me at the office to-morrow afternoon, Chester.”
“I am sorry, but I can’t; for I have to escort the Grand Duke to Fort Myer. The troops stationed there are to give a special drill in his honor. But you come and dine with me at the Willard, about seven thirty; for I am most anxious to hear the outcome of your interview with Trevor.”