“Incident number two: While I was there it developed that Oaks had been to the Tombs, before the trial, to see Mrs. Babbington, at her request—at her second request—and I assumed, from what was told to me about it, that she had also asked him to take his stenographer with him; at least he did so.â€�
“Why?� asked Patsy.
“Wait and ask that question again after I have finished, Patsy—unless, perhaps, you should find an answer to it that suits you.â€�
“All right, chief.�
“Incident number three: Oaks came away from the Tombs, leaving Miss McQueen there, alone with Mrs. Babbington. The incident happened two weeks ago. Miss McQueen remained about an hour with the prisoner.�
“Do you mean that she took dictation from her?� asked Chick.
“Yes; a few short letters to former social friends and acquaintances, all of which were read by the district attorney and by Oaks.�
“Are you sure that all of them were treated in that manner?� asked Patsy.
“That is the presumption, Patsy. I am not saying that I am sure about it, or that there was not another notebook which Oaks did not see; or that there were no oral instructions given to Miss McQueen, which were not taken down in shorthand.�