White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1937-07-08
CHAPTER vI-Continued
Copyright S. S. Van Dine

that he had retained a great meas
ure Of the physical power that had
obviously been his in youth. There
was benevolence in the somewhat
haggard face, but there was also
shrewdness in his gaze; and the con-
tour of his mouth indicated a latent
hardness.
He bowed to us with an old-fash-
toned graciousness and took few
steps into the study.
MY son has just informed me-"
he said in slightly querulous voice,
"of the tragedy that has occurred
here this afternoon. I'm sorry that
did not return home earlier, as is
my wont on Saturdays, for in that
event the tragedy might have been
averted. myself would have been
in the study here and would probab-
ly have kept an eye on my nephew.
In any event, no one could then have
got possession of my revolver"
II am not at all sure, Doctor Gar
den," Vance returned gri1mly, shat
your presence here this afternoon
would have averted the tragedy. 1t
Is not nearly so simple matter as
1t appears at first glance
Professor Garden sat down in
chair Of antique workmanship near
the door and, clasping his hands
tightly, leaned forward.
eyes, yes. So understand. And
want to hear more about this af-
fair" The tension in his voice was
patent. "Floyd told me that Woode's
death had all the appearance Of sui
eide, but that you do not accept
that conclusion. Would it be asking
too much if requested further de-
tails with regard to your attitude
in this respect?"
"There can be no doubt, SIR"
Vance returned quietly, shat your
nephew was murdered. There are
too many indications that contra
dict the theory Of suicide. But it
would be inadvisable, as well as
unnecessary, to go into details at
the moment. Our investigation has
just begun. BY the by, doctor, may
I ask what detained you this after
noon?-I gathered from your son
that you usually return home long
before this time on Saturdays"
"Of course, you may" the man
replied with seeming frankness; but
there was a startled look in his
eyes as he gazed at Vance. 81
had some obscure data to look up
before I could continue with an ex-
pertinent I'm making; and thought
today would be an excellent time
to do it, since I close the laboratory
and let my assistants go on Satur-
day afternoons.
"And where were you, DOCTOR"
Vance went on, between the time
you left the laborat'ry and the time
Of your arrival here?"
ITO be quite specific" Professor
Garden answered, II left the uni
versity at about two and went to the
public library where I remained
COAt44 AAdA OH 1AOCU dSOs 1llGll IOOh
a cab and came directly home"
"You went to the library alone?"
asked Vance.
Naturally I went alone" the pro-
fessor answered tartly. II don't
take assistants with me when
have research work to do"
''My dear doctor!" said Vance
placatingly. IA serious crime has
been committed in your home, and
it is essential that we know-as
matter Of routine-the whereabouts
of the various persons in any way
connected with the unfortunate stu
alton"
II see what you mean"
IT am glad you appreciate our
difficulties Vance said, land
trust you will be equally consid-
crate when ask you just what was
the relationship between you and
your nephew?"
r1ha ,oo,, %,,road cJo1r,1x, ond 1oopod