“All the better. The only thing that worries me more than the stupidity of professional detectives is the shrewdness of trained reporters. At least we can work this out in our own way.”
“We don’t seem to be getting much of anywhere,” complained Sedgwick.
“Complicated cases don’t clear themselves up in a day,” remarked Kent. “In this one we’ve got opponents who know more than we do.”
“Schlager?” asked the lawyer.
“And Doctor Breed. Also, I think, Gansett Jim. What do you think, Mr. Bain, is the mainspring of the sheriff’s action?”
“Money,” said the lawyer with conviction. “He’s as crooked as a snake with the colic.”
“Would it require much money to influence him?”
“As much as he could get. If the case was in the line of blackmail, he’d hold out strong. He’s shrewd.”
“Doctor Breed must be getting some of it.”
“Oh, Tim Breed is Len’s little dog. He takes orders. Of course he’ll take money too, if it comes his way. Like master, like man.”