Again it was Captain Tucker who answered. “A stranger, doctor. Gave his name as Pasquale Monetti. Came to the police station four days ago and paid two dollars for a permit. Had a monkey on a chain. The kids have been following him all over the village.”
The doctor said quietly: “How did you come to get the note, Ira?”
“I went for Billy like Mr. Foster said.” The man’s voice was a low rumble. “Down by the Howard’s woodlot there’s a bang and I know I’m shot.”
“The right thumb,” said Captain Tucker. “The bullet creased the skin.”
“It bled,” Ira Close said unemotionally, and Joe saw blood on the handkerchief-bandage. “He tells me not to move, and ties my arms behind, and puts the note in my pocket.”
“He,” Dr. Stone said. “What he, Ira?”
“The organ-grinder.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
“Did you see him?”