The inquest over the body of Ben Todd attracted few people. Violet La Verne was called as a witness, because of the fact that she had been the sole heir to Ben Todd’s estate. She was defiant, tight-lipped, but stated that she had grub-staked Ben Todd about a month ago.
“Did Ben Todd tell you he had made a rich strike?” Doctor Bogart asked her.
“He never talked to me,” she replied.
“How much money did you give Ben Todd, Miss La Verne?”
“I don’t know—hundred dollars, I guess.”
“You told the sheriff that you gave him fifty dollars.”
“Did I? Maybe I did. What’s the difference?”
“Mathematically—fifty dollars,” said the doctor dryly.
“All right,” she said angrily, “it don’t make any difference. I lose—and the amount is my business.”