Ferguson stroked his cheek thoughtfully. “I don’t like the idea,” he objected. “I am a believer in publicity myself.”
“You have had plenty of publicity in the Austin Hale case,” Richards pointed out dryly. “I cannot see that it has advanced you very far.”
Ferguson reddened. “We haven’t told the public all we know,” he admitted. “There are a few cards up our sleeve.”
“For instance?” and Richards’ smile was tantalizing.
“As to the nature of Hale’s wound”—the detective paused abruptly—“but that will come out in the medical evidence at the inquest.”
“And when will the inquest be held?” demanded Richards.
“When we lay our hands on a material witness necessary before we can present the case,” Ferguson spoke with provoking slowness. “You will learn all the facts in good time, Major; at present certain clews cannot be divulged.”
“I thought you were an advocate of publicity,” Richards remarked, and again Ferguson flushed.
“You’ve got me,” he acknowledged with a show of good nature. “All right, Mrs. Richards, I’ll conduct this investigation as quietly as possible. But how are you going to prevent your family’s knowing that you have lost your jewelry? Won’t they comment when you don’t wear it?”
“If they do I shall say that I have put it in my safe deposit box,” was Judith’s ready response. “My father has frequently urged me to do so in the past and with Austin’s death and the theft of his watch, what’s more likely than that I should place my jewelry in a safe place?”