Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1939-10-24
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

DIR. PAUL'S reply to the ques-
ton where was he from nine-thirty
to five minutes of ten was prompt
ly given. Il was lying on my bed
in my room at the cottage"
How long had you been there ?"
II think about Is minutes. I
talked with mother in her room
for a while and with my sister in
the living room. Then mOther-she
was in bed-thought she would try
to sleep and Pauline had some let
tiers to write, so I went to my own
room. I was there when I heard
the-scream and went to join in
the search"
"And you, Mr. Orion ?"
II was reading in the living room
Of my cottage"
"Were you the only one in the
cottage?"
II think so. know Barry was in
and out couple of times during
the evening, but at that particular
k4ltlC l. Gill Ou1 z 1lC was OOCs
"And what did you do when you
heard the scream ?"
dashed outside. I could hear
running feet and voices, but the
fog was so thick I didn't see any,
one until I met Miss Gordon over
by the rose arbor."
"Why did you go in that direc-
ton ?"
Because I thought the scream
came from that way"
"Mr. Barry" Lancy dismissed
Orion, with a curt nod. where
were you at the time named?"
"In the living room of Miss
Easton's cottage?"
Lancy scowled. "How long had
you been there? ?"
"Practically all the evening, if
you except a couple of trips over
to my cottage"
"At what time did you make the
trips and for what purpose?"
Barry hesitated.
Speak up" snapped Lancy. "It
shouldn't be hard to answer a SIM
pie question:"
''It isn't hard, but liable to mis-
construction when I tell you went
to my place for a bottle of whis-
key. That was the first time The
second time I went for a letter
which I wanted Miss Easton to
read. I haven't any idea what time
it was"
II see. And what did you and
Miss Eaton do when you heard the
scream ?"
II started to run out, but Miss
Easton was afraid to be left alone,
so stayed with her."
"And just when did you learn
that Mrs. Peake was dead?"
Barry considered. II don't know"
he said with an air Of frankness,
"but I should think in about half
hour"
"Who told you?"
"Orton."
"That right, Orton?"
"It is"
It seemed to me that Barry's
face lighted with relief at Orton's
prompt reply. Lancy appeared not
so pleased.
"Hu-um" he said softly as he
fingered his chin. 1.-THE only ones
who have disinterested alibis are
Miss Peake, Miss Gordon, Miss
button and Mr.. Abbott"
DR.. Paul spoke angrily. II should
think the fact that the door was
open between my mothers and
sisters rooms at the time would
constitute an ironclad alibi fol-
them. I can see where I haven't
one, for there was a closed door be-
tween u.s."
Lancy's reply was as smooth as
whipped cream. II said a DISIN-
TERESTED alibi, doctor. That ad.
jective means a great deal in my
business. He looked around as
mildly as though he were about tt
present us all with good conduct
diplomas.
"Surely you wouldn't say thai
Miss Eastons and Mr.. Barry's
alibi is worthless! Still it is not
disinterested, they being such
CLOSE friends"
I caught a swift exchange Of
knowing glances between Cora
and Barry. Then 7 realized thai
Lancy's alert eyes were probing
each face, summing up the effect
of his apparently complacen'
words. EIe saw thai: meaning ex
change as: we'll sIts I die. His wor0s
MIGHTY Ter