We saved this young hothead here from a
mightyembarrassin situation. Happiness, Charlie told her, is not a matter of
geography. Do you know that Doctor Swan was murdered in that house last
night?
Prettybig job we got on our hands, at Pineview. The
man who slips so slylyfrom one room to another. When he got back to Tahoe, Chan
again turned in at the Tavern gate. The wound you acquired when you bumped
intodressing-table bench in Landinis old sitting-room?
In the dim gas-light thewizened face was stolid,
emotionless. But Charlie was already walking rapidly away from the table. The wisest
course, no doubt, Charlie agreed.
We saved this young hothead here from a
mightyembarrassin situation. Like ol time, chuckled Sing, patting him on the
back.
They traveled along the wet road in
silence.
Taint with himlike it was with you an me. Reckon Id
better keep a sharp eye onthat Romano, after this.
Ill have to be getting back on the job myself very
soon, Ryder toldhim.
May the four nails of his coffinbe of purest
gold.
Hes took the oath, an hes honest, the boyis. I
suggest first of all, you get lay ofland.
I am well aware of the fact, nodded
Charlie.
And Ibelieve Sings ideas of hospitality are
excellent. If Romano was cookin up a story about Sing, would he ha done it
sodog-gone well?
You must find your own words, Charlie told
him.
Do youremember, I says, was they ever laid on a
velvet chair in that room?
But Charlie was already walking rapidly away from
the table.
Why, Iveknowed old Sing since I was a baby. He
entered tofind the old sheriff standing in the middle of the room, adjusting
hisnecktie. Reaching the lounge, he selected a chair and satdown by the fire. But I
fear we leave Pineview toomuch alone. You must find your own words, Charlie told
him.
I go now to Pineview toinvestigate those matters
which I mentioned. The way I see it, that puts the murder of Landini right in
oldSings lap.
You were old-time friend of poorMadame Landini, I
believe? Reckon hed feel hed jest have to go after a certain party, anbring him
back. An all this interest ofyours in the pine trees, Mr.
Too many people on that floor at time,he remarked
sadly. Don Holt sat down at the desk and took up the receiver.
He leaves ithere in case of an emergency. After
brief talk with yourfather, you will know precisely how to act.
Yell find me in the office o the stables, Sam Holt
went on.