“She said she had hidden it inside one of the rolls that were on the tray on that table,” he continued in tones of easy explanation, approaching the table as he did so, and tapping it with the box of sleeping-powders he had brought for Miss Cornelia.
“She was in such distress that I finally went to look for it. It wasn’t there.”
“Do you realize the significance of this paper?” Anderson boomed at once.
“Nothing, beyond the fact that Miss Ogden was afraid it linked her with the crime.” The Doctor’s voice was very clear and firm.
Anderson pondered an instant. Then—
“I’d like to have a few minutes with the Doctor alone,” he said somberly.
The group about him dissolved at once. Miss Cornelia, her arm around her niece’s waist, led the latter gently to the door. As the two lovers passed each other a glance flashed between them—a glance, pathetically brief, of longing and love. Dale’s finger tips brushed Bailey’s hand gently in passing.
“Beresford,” commanded the detective, “take Bailey to the library and see that he stays there.”
Beresford tapped his pocket with a significant gesture and motioned Bailey to the door. Then they, too, left the room. The door closed. The Doctor and the detective were alone.
The detective spoke at once—and surprisingly.