“That is what I am asking Major Richards. Perhaps he will be more courteous and answer your question, as it is addressed by a woman”—and John Hale looked scornfully at Richards.
“The gibe is unnecessary,” retorted the latter. “As the watch is in your possession and not in mine, it is up to you to explain how you got it.”
Hale laughed outright. “He has you there, John,” he chuckled. “Have you an answer ready?”
Ignoring his brother, John Hale addressed himself exclusively to Richards.
“Austin’s watch was sent to this house by Jennings, the watchmaker, with whom you left it to have the chain repaired. See, it bears your name,” and he displayed the label still attached to the watch. Richards read the words on it with interest.
“Well, what have you to say?” demanded John Hale, as he made no remark.
“That the watch bears my name does not prove that I left the watch with this man, Jennings,” Richards stated, and John Hale turned triumphantly to the detective.
“There, didn’t I tell you he would take that attitude?” he cried. “It won’t do, Richards. Ferguson and I have just seen Jennings and he described you accurately in giving an account of the man who left the watch with him on Wednesday—mind you, later in the same morning on which Austin was found murdered. How did you get possession of Austin’s watch?”
Richards looked steadily at the excited man before him, at the others—noting instantly the serious expression of Mrs. Hale’s countenance, her husband’s intent interest, and Ferguson’s keen attention. Then, slowly, he glanced around the library—Judith was not present. He drew a long breath.
“I decline to answer your question, Mr. Hale,” he said.