Various other purely routine activities were outlined; and Moran suggested that for a time three men be stationed day and night in the vicinity of the murders to watch for any possible developments or for suspicious actions on the part of those involved. The Police Department and the District Attorney’s office were to work hand in hand. Markham, of course, in tacit agreement with Heath, assumed command.
“I have already interviewed the members of the Dillard and Drukker homes in connection with the Robin murder,” Markham explained to Moran and O’Brien: “and I’ve talked the Sprigg case over with Professor Dillard and Arnesson. To-morrow I shall see Pardee and the Drukkers.”
The next morning Markham, accompanied by Heath, called for Vance a little before ten o’clock.
“This thing can’t go on,” he declared, after the meagrest of greetings. “If any one knows anything, we’ve got to find it out. I’m going to put the screws on—and damn the consequences!”
“By all means, chivy ’em.” Vance himself appeared despondent. “I doubt if it’ll help though. No ordin’ry procedure is going to solve this riddle. However, I’ve phoned Barstead. He says we may talk with Mrs. Drukker this morning. But I’ve arranged to see him first. I have a hankerin’ to know more of the Drukker pathology. Hunchbacks, d’ ye see, are not usually produced by falls.”
We drove at once to the doctor’s home and were received without delay. Doctor Barstead was a large comfortable man, whose pleasantness of manner impressed me as being the result of schooled effort.
Vance went straight to the point.
“We have reason to believe, doctor, that Mrs. Drukker and perhaps her son are indirectly concerned in the recent death of Mr. Robin at the Dillard house; and before we question either of them further we should like to have you tell us—as far as professional etiquette will permit—something of the neurological situation we are facing.”
“Please be more explicit, sir.” Doctor Barstead spoke with defensive aloofness.
“I am told,” Vance continued, “that Mrs. Drukker regards herself as responsible for her son’s kyphosis; but it is my understanding that such malformations as his do not ordinarily result from mere physical injuries.”