“We’ll all go,� said the detective. “It sounds reasonable, and would account for the idea that Lynne received while a prisoner in the wine cellar, that Pleasantglades was the destination at that time.�
He turned to the telephone and ordered the big car to the door at once.
“It’s as sure as shooting,� said Patsy.
“Only I don’t seem to remember anything about a house boat in the testimony at the inquest,� said the detective, as he seized his hat and led the way from the room.
“Somebody called you out of the room for a moment when that testimony was given,� was Patsy’s reply. “I think it was stricken out as being irrelevant.�
“What was said about it?�
“Only that Edythe had entertained her friends part of the time on the house boat, which is always kept anchored in the bay that juts into the property up there. I suppose it has been closed now, and practically abandoned for a year; but it would be an ideal place for Madge to take her prisoner; and, of course, she knew about it, since she was one of the guests at that time.�
“Of course.�
“Lucky remark, that, about the desert island. That suggested the idea to me; that or Chick’s reply.�
“What was that?�