Judith turned her head at his abrupt entrance and looked at him, then her eyes wandered from his excited face to the watch which he held at arm’s length as he advanced toward them.
“See!” he exclaimed, and rested the watch on the tufted side of the lounge, where both Judith and Latimer had a close view of its antique beauty. Judith bent closer and when she straightened up her face was flushed.
“It is Austin’s watch!” she declared. “I can swear to it.”
“You need not swear—it is Austin’s watch,” John Hale’s tone was cold and cutting. “But you can explain how the watch came in the possession of your husband, Major Richards.”
Judith’s bright color faded. “It is in your possession, and not in the possession of my husband,” she retorted. “Had you not better do the explaining?”
“Willingly—the watch has been in my hands just about four minutes.” John lifted the paper tag attached to the chain. “Listen, Judith—‘Major J. C. Richards—repair broken link in chain and return immediately.’ Your husband left the watch and chain with Jennings and he has returned it.” John Hale moderated his rapid speech and spoke with impressiveness. “Austin was murdered and his watch stolen—that watch has turned up ticketed with your husband’s name. Kindly explain it.”
Judith was conscious of the intent watchfulness of her uncle and Frank Latimer as they waited for her reply, and with all her will power she strove to steady her voice.
“My husband is out just now,” she stated clearly. “When he returns he will explain everything to our satisfaction.”
“Will he?” John Hale’s high temper had slipped control. “I see it all now. Your father knows your husband killed Austin, and to save family scandal has plotted evidence against Polly Davis, even buying her silence and providing funds to have her disappear.”
“Have you taken leave of your senses?” demanded Judith, breaking into his torrent of words.