And looking, ifI may say so, as fresh and beautiful
as the morning.
Well, were all ready for business, I reckon, Don
Holt said. There they came onto the main highway, almost clear of snow, and the
sheriff stepped on thegas. With the greatest of pleasure, smiled Chan. The old man
groaned again, and raising one thin hand, rubbed his eventhinner jaw.
But that dont mean we dont have topush ahead an
solve this case, Inspector. Just to say you must let Sing or me know if you want
anything, heremarked.
Does it chance, Chan inquired, that there exists
some errand we couldperform for you in Reno? How do you know they aint all goin out
theback door right now? Quickly Chan reported the assault on Sing.
Ward ran into the hall and, seeingSing, went with
Charlie toward the recumbent figure.
Cease to worry, Charlie replied
sympathetically.
The method of herpassing was better still. While
Chan bathed and shaved, his mind was filled with Trouble.
A sullen egotist, with the conversationalpowers of
a mummy.
And here, the boy went on, these are the windows,
Dad. OFerrell deeply mystified by this cryptic statement, hereturned to the big
living-room. Wait until you reach the river before you start to unlaceyour
shoes.
Chan sat for a moment quietly, considering this
startling possibility.
Go back and seek for sleep, at least, Charlie said
gently. He had several new facts to marshal inthe storehouse of his
mind.
Sing opened his eyes, sighed and closed them
again.
With yourpermission, I intend to make a brief
survey. Contemptible, spoke Miss Meecher, and her thin lips closed tightly. Leslie
Beaton and her brother appeared, the latter going at once for hishat and coat. Go
back and seek for sleep, at least, Charlie said gently.
Princes have censors, he remarked, and fathershave
sons.
An honor I have always longed for, but neverdreamed
should encounter.
In a moment he returned with bathrobe andslippers.
Dudley Ward appeared in the doorway and greeted the old
sheriffcordially.
Why are you lookin at me like that,
Inspector?
You know how Sing appeared in this room right after
themurder, with a blue blanket under his arm? Im havin lunch with JimDinsdale, an
other times Ill jes loll round an mebbe do a littlethinkin.
Chan, Im sure glad youre with us on this case.
Sure, Iveonly knowed him a few hours, an hes like an old friend. Wait until you
reach the river before you start to unlaceyour shoes.
Now we are on our way, the detective said, to
importantdiscoveries, I hope. He found anunobstructed path, and started to pace it.
He waited while a car slipped outof a parking place, and then moved in.
Youd say the blankethad been in this room before
Sing appeared with it, wouldnt you?