The morning was cool and fresh after the heavy rain of the night. His uncle stood at the porch railing, sightless eyes turned off across the valley, a great, tawny German shepherd dog at his side. Harley Kent crowded the top step, and Joe noticed that the dog sneezed, and grew restless, and drew back a step.
“Lady, easy.” Dr. Stone’s hand felt for the dog’s head and rubbed a twitching ear. “When did you say it was discovered, Kent?”
“A little after six o’clock this morning. The maid found a window open and called me. The wall safe was open, too, and the necklace was gone. Could I trouble you for a match, Doctor? I’ve lost my lighter.”
The man stepped upon the porch, and the dog sneezed again and retreated. Dr. Stone brought forth matches, and Harley Kent had to come close to get them. Joe was vaguely conscious that his uncle’s face had become intent.
Harley Kent lit a cigar. “I’m not in the habit of keeping jewels in the house. Mrs. Kent’s been in Europe; her ship docks next Monday. We’re to attend a dinner that night, and I knew she’d want the necklace. I took it out of a safe deposit box a week ago and brought it home.”
Dr. Stone asked a question. “Insured, of course?” “Certainly. Twenty-five thousand.”
The boy sucked in his breath and wondered what twenty-five thousand dollars would look like piled up in shining half dollars. The Kent automobile gleamed in front of the house, and a uniformed chauffeur sat motionless behind the wheel.
“You’ve notified the police?”
“I tried to, but the storm last night crippled our telephone line. I came over to use yours.”
“Ours is out, too.”