“About the recent robbery of yourself and Mrs. Badger, of Brookline.”
“Ah, indeed!”
“I am engaged by Chief Weston, of the local police department, to investigate some of these highway robberies committed about here, and to undertake the arrest of the culprits.”
“Dear me! I am delighted to hear it, Detective Carter, and I do hope you’ll succeed,” exclaimed Madame Victoria, now displaying a very vivacious interest.
“I hope so, too.”
“I have lost some valuable jewels, and so has Claudia—that’s Mrs. Badger, sir—and I should be more than glad to recover them.”
“No doubt.”
“Or to aid you in hastening the arrest and conviction of the thieves,” added the woman. “In what way can I assist you, Detective Carter?”
“By answering a few questions for me, madame——”
“Pardon!” she interposed.