CHAPTER IX
“SHOW THE GENTLEMAN OUT”
Instead of replying to this veiled and rather insolent defense, Bernard chose to hold his peace. He remained hunched down in his chair and resumed his unwavering stare at the butler. Stimson continued to support it with unruffled and somber equanimity.
Landis picked up the thread of his questioning:
“Have you seen that Japanese bow anywhere else at all except there at the end of the library, Stimson?”
“No, sir.”
“At any time?”
“No, sir.”
“Have you seen anyone near it or touching it in this room, or appearing interested in it?”
“Late one evening ten days ago or more, Mr. Joel examined it. I believe he strung it. But Mr. Harrison came in and requested him to replace it and he did so.”