“Still plotting, I suppose?” Captain Tucker said in sarcasm.
“No,” King said coolly; “the second time I acted. I destroyed Anthony’s book.”
Joe found it hard to swallow. Uncle David said the man who stole the manuscript was the man who had killed! Dr. Stone’s face was expressionless:
“I thought so.”
“Look here,” King burst out angrily. “I told you I went out. When I came back the house was dark. As I opened the front door I heard someone run up the stairs. I snapped on the light, and a bundle of typed papers lay on the floor. I had to read only half a page to know it was Anthony’s manuscript. Would I be apt to tell voluntarily that I destroyed the book if the fact would link me to the murder?”
Captain Tucker seemed a bit taken back. Lawton’s voice came from downstairs:
“Breakfast, Otis.”
“You might have built this up,” Captain Tucker said suspiciously.
“I might,” King agreed. He was once more dapper and assured.
But when he came down stairs to the table, Joe saw that he had hardened into cold watchfulness. Freeman said, “Sorry you won’t eat with us, Doctor.” Lady, walking restlessly around the table, stopped at Freeman’s place and the man offered her a strip of bacon.