The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1942-03-12
bY EIlery Queen

a Uruguayan, but please oon
press me about him?"
"But I must. Who is he? Why
his unique activity while your
guest? I am determined to have
the answers"
Dewitt traced a pattern on the
cloth with a spoon. Purely 6
business visit, Mr.. Lane. Maquin.
chao is the-the scout for certain
South American public utility
locations = wanted our office tt
handle a bond issue"
''Why did he stay so long?"
81 don't know, unless he visited
other financing places"
"Can you give me his address,?
81 don't believe I know. He
travels extensively"
Lane walked to the desk. evil
you please direct me to DR.. Nor
ris, your Club physician, then to
the Club secretary"
An hour or so later, Drury Lane
entered District Attorney Bruno's
office and found Inspector Thumm
hunched over a telephone, his face
a study in incredulity. Thumm
jerked a heavy eyebrow in greet
ing, his ear hooked to the receiver.
'Now listen," said the Inspector,
his face so red it seemed about to
burst from impotent rage. LET
me get this straight D.. Shut up,
will you? You say I told you to
call me at half-past two this after
noon and remind me to give you
something to do? You're drunk!
What? You helped me pick up the
rug? What rug, you Jackass? q.
Maybe" His eyes focused on Mr..
Drury Lane, who was watching
him with affectionate amusement,
and his jaw sagged. A surly grin
spread over his face and he growl-
ed into the telephone: "Okay. !
changed my mind. Just hang a.
round the room" He hung up and
turned to Lane, plopping his ell
bows on the desk. Bruno looked
from one to the other in bewilder-
ment. ''Well, Mr.. Lane, that's one
on me, hey?"
Inspector" Lane said grevely
concerning your sense of humor
eff I have ever entertained doubts
they are now eternally dispelled.'
"What is all this about?" de-
manded Bruno.
Yesterday I went to Weekhawk-
en-, interviewed Mrs. Murphy
searched Woods room, found a
handbook under the carpet, as
sisted, mind you, by a man who
has known me for six years, then
I walked out" Thumm replied,
cts something Of a miracle, be-
cause at the same time I was in
my office jawing with you"
/ Bruno stared at Lane, broke in
to laugh. "That's little unfair,
Mr.. Lane. And a little dangerous. "
"Not at all. My assistant is the
worlds premier makeup man,
MIR. Bruno. I must humbly ask
your pardon, Inspector. My reason
was serious and premptory. Per-
haps my instruction to your opera
tive was a childish prank, but
even that was dictated by desire
to inform you, unconventionally
to be sure, of the impersonation."
"Next time you might let me
take a look at myself" grunted
Thumm. Frankly, I don't Ii
Well, let it 60. Let's have that
handbook"
''My visit" said Lane in brisk
tone, really is induced by a de-
sire for copy Of the complete
list of ferry passengers.
Burno explored the top drawer
of his desk and handed Lane a
thin sheaf of papers, remarking
''The other day you said you'd
like to informed before we take
definite action :"
"The ak falls" murmured Lane
"What precisely"
"The arrest of Dewitt for the
murder of Wood. Thumm and
are agreed that we have a case
When the Commissioner heard
my story he told me to shoot. II
won't be hard to secure an indict-
ment."
Lane looked grave. 81 gather
then, that you and Inspector
Thumm believe Dewitt killed
Longstreet also?"
Naturally" said Thumm. 'This
Mr.. x of yours is behind the whole
business. The two crimes were
committed by the same hand, with
motives that fit like gloves"
"A remarkably astute phrase
said Lane. "And when is This Ster