Page:Burton Stevenson--The marathon mystery.djvu/325

Rh before afternoon. T’e morning will be spent in looking ofer t’e scene of t’e crime.”

“I understand,” said Godfrey, with studied artlessness, “that you have found the missing necklace.”

The coroner flushed a little; evidently that was a sore subject.

“No, sir,” he answered, “we haven’t found it. I haf about come to t’e conclusion t’at Drysdale t’rew it into t’e pay.”

“But,” I objected, “he’d hardly have committed a murder in order to gain possession of it, only to throw it away!”

“He would, if my t’eory iss right, sir,” returned the coroner, with some spirit.

“What is your theory?” I asked.

“No matter; no matter,” and he was fairly bloated with self-importance. “You will see to-morrow.”

Godfrey was looking at him, his eyes alight with mirth.

“I see,” he broke in. “Accept my compliments, Mr. Heffelbower. It is the only theory which fits the case. Don’t you understand, Lester? Here’s a young man of wealth, who deliberately goes out and kills a man, steals a necklace and throws it into the ocean. He attempts to establish no alibi; he refuses to answer any questions; after the murder he rages around in his room and breaks things; he insults the girl he’s engaged to; quarrels with his best friend. Why, it’s as plain as day! A man who would behave like that must be”