The Key West citizen., 1939-12-15
Chapter %
\ Talk With McBain

\ never have acted on that
strange hint Of A1ix Lissey's had
he not determined in any event to
take DR.. McBain into his conf
dence. Here was the man who
must have in his possession knowl-
edge to clear up a great deal OF
the mystery surrounding Edgar
Murchison II only he were so in.
clined; a man who had already
shown that he was kindly toward
Murchison. level-headed and fair
minded.
At dusk that evening Michael
lifted the knocker on the McBain
door.
McBain himself answered the
door, in slippers and smoking
jacket, the inevitable pipe in his
hand.
"Come in, come in," he said
heartily, holding out welcoming
hand. "It's good Of you to come"
Thanks" Michael replied. II
hope you're not busy. I want to
have talk with you."
McBain led him into a small
comfortable room on the right; a
mans room, with deep chairs and
an air of untidiness. The news
paper was spread open on the ta-
bic, and part Of it lay on the floor.
You'll see how busy / am" his
host said with q smile. Il was just
having a smoke and finishing the
paper"
He indicated a chair with a wave
of his hand, and Michael sat down.
'Tll come right to the point," "
said Michael, and looked across
at McBain, who put his pipe in his
mouth, crossed his knees, and
glanced up inquiringly. you'll re-
member I asked you several ques-
tions about Professor Murchison
the night of the Deanes' party?"
"Yes." He smoothed down the
fringe Of hair on each side Of the
high white forehead. His eyes were
deeply attentive.
Michael hesitated. 'Tm afraid ]
was doing something not quite po-
lite" he said. "I was -. well, / was
pumping you."
Pumping me?"
Michael leaned forward and
clasped his hands between his
knees. "That business about the
women" he explained. 81 hadn't
heard anything. I was looking for
information"
McBrain frowned. The wrinkles
at the side of his strong face deep
ened. "You had some purpose, ]
supgose?' .n.
ever occur to you, Dr.. McBain,
that it was rather queer of Pro-
fessor Murchison, whom you knew
so we'll, to leave as he did without
aword of farewell to you. or an
explanation?"
McBain raised his eyebrows.
cit did," he said quietly.
"Did you ever ask his wife, or
his brother. where and why he had
gomez"
"A Bit Offended
1T WAS McBain's turn to hesi-
! tate. ITO tell you the truth. For.
rester." he said. after a moment,
II was a bit offended. | considered
that some explanation was due
me. particularly as Murchison and
] had planned to do a bit of re-
search together. didn't ask for
several days. because was huffed,
and then I spoke to Duncan. | don't
care much for Mrs. Murchison.
"And what did Duncan say. may
! ask?"
McBain looked at him directly.
Before ] answer that | should
like to know just what you are
getting at, Forester"
I'm sorry. should have told
you well, plainly, it's this.
The Professor did not go away on
business trip. He disappeared, and
no one knew where he went"
"Surely, that isn't possiblei"
"Well, it's the truth"
McBain was thoughtful. "Then
that may explain what Duncan
meant" he said half to himself. II
was a bit puzzled"
Nt0b hl0 iAC oay
sHe said You'll have to ask
bis wife for the answer to that
question and ] don't suppose
she'll tell you"
''Did he seem content. or what?"
"He was angry. But i. =. ! sup
pose there's no harm in mention
ing il to YOU he and his sister,
in-law have never gotten along
any too well. They're both hot
tempered. put it down to a fit of
pique. You say she doesn't know
where her husband Is either?"
"No."
"You had something of that in
mind. then, when you spoke about
his interest in women?"
"Yes. The only explanation that
seemed to at the facts would be
that of his having gone off with
some other woman"
McBain shook his head. mo.
shall never believe that possible
He wasn't that sort"
"You are still sure of that?"
Positive. Do you mind telling
me . have you any definite rea-
son for thinking Of such an ex-
plantation?"
"Do you mind If we come to that
later? There are a lot of things I'd
like 70 ask YOU first"
Anything I know is at your dis
posal." he said grimly.
well then. can you remember
when you saw Edgar Murchison
last?s
81 walked home with him from
the University on the afternoon OF
the day the University closed, He
must have gone that night or early
the next morning.
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