Page:Chipperfield--Unseen Hands.djvu/79

Rh his pocket. Then taking up a pair of scissors which was attached by a bright-hued ribbon to the handle of the basket he clipped off a length of the scarlet strand which dangled from the embroidery frame.

"That's all, I think." He still spoke in a lowered tone, mindful of the injured man in the next room. "I am going up now to look over the apartments of the young man who died last week. I have the keys—"

To his astonishment Miss Meade announced:

"I will accompany you. It has all been placed in order, of course; and I believe Mr. Titheredge and my brother-in-law have removed all the letters and personal effects, but I can explain to you the position of the body as I saw it."

"I do not like to subject you to the ordeal—", the detective began, but she silenced him.

"I am strong enough, and it is my duty to render you all the aid I can in consequence of Mr. Lorne's incapacity."

She preceded him up the stairs and led him along the hall to the door of the front room; but as he took out the key to insert it in the lock, the door at the back flew open and Gene appeared, rage and fear struggling for supremacy on his weak countenance.

"I've been waiting for you," he declared hotly. "I'll thank you to return the letters and notebook you stole from my desk."

"They will be returned to you in good time, Mr. Chalmers," the detective replied smoothly. "Unless, of course, they are required as evidence."

Evidence of what!" shouted the enraged young man. I suppose you'll accuse me next of killing my own brother