“He died very suddenly,” said Patsy. “Had you any idea that he was afflicted with any ailment?”
“No, not the slightest. His death came like a bolt from the blue.”
“Was he regular in his habits?”
“Very.”
“I understand that he left here about twelve o’clock. Did he usually go out at that time?”
“Well, no, he did not.” Page gazed more sharply at his questioner. “He usually lunched at one o’clock.”
“He may have had some mission to attend to for the firm, or——”
“No, nothing of that kind. He was our cashier, and his duty kept him here. You raise a point, young man, that has not occurred to me. By the way, Archie,” Page called to a clerk who had served in Todd’s place when the latter was absent, “come here a moment. Do you know why Todd went out an hour earlier than usual yesterday?”
“Well, I’m not sure, sir,” replied the clerk. “I think it was because of a telephone message.”
“Do you know from whom?”