“No,” regarding him steadily. “My wife and I returned from our wedding journey only two weeks ago. We are at present the guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hale. During our visit I have not,” with quiet emphasis, “familiarized myself, as you put it, with Mr. Hale’s habits, but I once overheard him tell his wife that he never left the safe unlocked.”
Ferguson stooped down and examined the safe with careful attention.
“The lock’s not been forced,” he muttered. “It looks like the job of an expert safe cracker, or”—with an upward glance at Richards—“some one familiar with the combination.”
“The Rogues’ Gallery will aid in identifying the dead man if he is a ‘regular,’” broke in Coroner Penfield. “But who killed the burglar?” He looked across at Richards. “Who is in this house besides you and your wife?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Hale have residing with them, besides my wife and myself, Mr. Hale’s younger brother, John Hale,” Richards answered. “There are a number of servants who also sleep in the house.”
Penfield consulted his note pad. “Did you go for Mr. Hale or his brother on finding the dead man?” he questioned.
“Mrs. Hale and her brother-in-law are at a reception given by the French Ambassador and his wife,” responded Richards. “They have not yet returned.”
“And Mr. Robert Hale—?”
“Is ill in bed,” Richards perched himself on the arm of a chair. “When I rushed upstairs with the medicine for my wife I went first to Mr. Hale’s bedroom and, on finding him asleep, withdrew as quietly as possible.”
“Didn’t you summon the servants?” asked Penfield.