“Well, what—do—you—think—of that?” he asked slowly. I shook my head.
“And so Howard took that letter!” I exclaimed.
“So it seems,” Ray answered, “and I must say it takes my breath away. Whatever may have been said of Howard, I never thought him a petty thief.”
“Hold on, Ray Wendell!” cried a voice just behind us.
We both started and turned about.
Not six feet away stood Len Howard.
We were somewhat taken aback by this sudden and unexpected appearance of the very individual whose name was upon our lips. Silence reigned for several seconds.
At the first sound of Howard’s voice, Ray, like myself, had been startled. He quickly recovered himself, however, and looked Howard quietly and firmly in the face. The latter’s expression was angry and belligerent.
“Did I hear my name a few moments ago?” he asked.
“I have no doubt you did. Your name was mentioned,” Ray answered.