“What was she doing when you left?”
“She was seated on a sofa in the rear parlor. I paused in the vestibule only to replace my disguise, and I then hastened home. That was the last I saw of her, or want to see.”
“I understand.”
“You can imagine my amazement and consternation, therefore, when I was arrested this morning for having murdered her, to say nothing of being confronted with such evidence as has been discovered,” Gordon added. “I tell you, Nick, nevertheless, that I——”
“Never mind telling me, Gordon, for time is of value,” Nick again interposed. “Merely answer my questions. Did you see the package of letters she claimed to have had?”
“I did not, Nick. She said they were in her desk.”
“Was the desk closed?”
“Yes, and locked. It is a roll top, which locks auto[Pg 13]matically when the cover is rolled completely down. I noticed that it was tightly closed.”
“It was locked, Gordon, all right,” said Nick. “Did you remove your overcoat while talking with Miss Lancey?”
“Yes.”