He stood on the little porch and watched us, like a
japishgargoyle, as we crossed the street. The thing that bothers me most, however,
continued Vance, isthat light in Drukkers room all night. Were youthinking of a
possible witness to Robins death?
Only that it looked like an accident; and that
Drukker had beendead about ten hours. Did he mention a fractured skull in addition
to the broken neck? But, pon my soul, Markham,I didnt expect any effect like the one
I produced.
Pardee and seeif he has any illuminatin suggestions
to offer. After a moment he initialed twoprinted forms and handed them to
Swacker.
As he repeated these words he leapt to his feet.
Much too latefor a child like you to be out. Markham came; and Ive had it with me
eversince.
I have a gaspin desire to know more of that chess
game betweenPardee and Rubinstein.
Nor are we accountableto you for our
actions.
Ive always had the feeling that she and Arnesson
would some daybe married.
I told you I didnt notice, except that hewent out
by the basement door. Markham continued for some time building up his case
againstDrukker. Only that it looked like an accident; and that Drukker had beendead
about ten hours.
I have a gaspin desire to know more of that chess
game betweenPardee and Rubinstein. We actually got home at half past twelve. His
garrulous cynicism seemed entirely tohave deserted him. He says he has information
that may be of importance. Itwas then I discovered that the little pistol had been
returned, andI postponed my call. Vance drew a deep puff on his cigarette and
exhaled thesmoke slowly.
No one had entered or departed from the house; and
byeleven oclock every window had been dark. Only a few seconds before I went to
catch my train.
Hereturned to the Bureau at eight oclock, and I
missed him. I was in hopes, explained Vance, of surprising some look ofrecognition
or understanding from him.
Whatpenalty attaches to the heinous crime of
distributing chessmenamong ones neighbors?
But, pon my soul, Markham,I didnt expect any effect
like the one I produced. And speaking of mathematics: are you atall familiar with
the Riemann-Christoffel tensor?
But I had forgotten at the time our promise to Mr.
The mist had lifted, and afaint diffusion of spring sunlight lay over the gray
stones of thecity.
Ithought, in the circumstances, it might be well to
see him now.
I thought one might be able to see into the archery
range fromhere.
Butyou mustnt let her morbid attitude affect you.
This house is becoming a regular police station.