Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1939-02-17

81 can't follow you," Andrews said
simply.
"Trifle confusing, isn't it," Mat
resser observed. "Well then, this is
what happened. Fergus-his name is
Fergus-told me in which pocket of
his coat to find the letter. I searched
that pocket and found the oilcloth in
which the letter had been enclosed
carefully cut open, also the pieces of
cardboard. The place where the let
ter should have been was there. The
letter itself was gone"
"Who does he think could have got
at it,"
"He doesn't know that it was not
there" Matresser explained patiently
Listen, Andrews. The mans ill
Pm sure of that. He needs sleep and
rest. He would not get either If
told him that the letter had been stol-
en-. / let him think, therefore, that it
was in my pocket and that his job
had been safely accomplished. You
must back me up if he asks any ques-
tions."
eff the letter was of any impor-
tance," the doctor observed, "you are
being very decent about it, Matres-
SER"
."Not at all. There is nothing to
be gained by worrying Fergus and
I am not at all sure that he is pulling
through quite as well as you think.
However, that's not the point for the
moment. Accepting his story of the
whole affair, which I am willing to
do without reservation, who is there
who has had chance of stealing that
letter."
Andrews reflected on the question
of who stole the letter.
"The person who attacked him on
the road" he suggested.
Impossible" was the calm reply.
"The oilcloth and cardboard were cut
through with pocket knife and with
out undue haste. That could not have
been done during a struggle. Moth
ing happened to him in the Inn where
he stopped for. water, therefore the
first opportunity was while he was ly-
ing unconscious in that field of roots.
Humphreys was the first to find him
and he was brought straight here"
Precisely. My household consists
of Mrs. Foulds and myself. You can
not suspect either of US of pocket
picking"
Granted" Matresser agreed. "Any-
one else possess key to your sur
gery?"
"Not a-not a SOUL" Andrews de-
clared.
"Why the break in your sentence 2"
cts queer coincidence but it can't
amount to anything" the doctor medi-
tated. "It seemed funny at the time,
that's all. You see," he went on, 81
always keep my surgery key in the
right hand pocket of my overcoat.
When we reached here tonight you
saw me tumble about for some time.
I ultimately discovered it in the left
hand pocket of my coat"
"You think someone may have bor-
rowed it while you were dining, eh?"
Il left it in one pocket when I gave
my things to your butler,". Andrews
declared obstinately. "It was in a diff
ferent pocket when I reached home
tonight. If you can make anything
If that, do. I can't"
Mystery upon mystery" Matfes-
ser said lightly as he rose to his feet.
We will let the matter rest there for
he moment, think. Don't let the
nan know that the letter is missing
md have another look at him before
vou go to bed. I didn't exactly like
lis appearance but it may have been
ancy. Are you ready to take me
Jack now or have you any late Wis
ts?"
Taking you right away" i
do you remember the place." Mat
'esser asked as soon as they had start
ID, where that mysterious vehicle !
nearly ran into us?"
II shall never forget it," answered
Andrews.
Just stop there for minute, then,
here's good fellow"
The doctor, who was driving with
'ull headlights on, did as he was ask
ID.
"Got torch?" Matresser inquired.
His companion produced one from |
he pocket of the car. Matreser dis
for several moments, but
when he returned he was smiling.
"AndreWs" he doclarod os h. +oo1.