“So she said. In my opinion the case is closed, too.”
“The evidence is conclusive enough to put her over the jumps,” admitted Bernard. “But it is conclusive—circumstantially! Now let’s get some breakfast!”
He started around to the wing again, leaving Landis to follow in open and undisguised chagrin.
CHAPTER XXIV
THE SOUND OF RUNNING FEET
They were received in the dining-room, where family and guests were still assembled, with a mixture of curiosity and barely civil reserve. Miss Mount saw formally to their wants and Stimson was attentive in his dignified way. Bernard and Landis managed to endure the frost while inwardly amused at the damper their presence placed on conversation. Of them all, only Mrs. Graham had smiled when she said good morning.
The detectives ate their breakfast placidly. Farther advanced with theirs, the others soon withdrew, Anita and the two young men with somewhat pointed abruptness. Left alone with them, Miss Mount at once apologized and departed.
Landis smiled at the butler.
“We can manage nicely, thank you, Stimson.”
The man bowed and vanished into the pantry, a slight smile on his lips.