Im here, of course, in regard to that story you
told Saturdaynight. On thisbeach in my girlhood, she said, happiness was within my
grasp.
Ill take a chance on that, replied John Quincy. I
was about to give itto you when you launched into this silly
cross-examination.
Humbly begging pardon to be so abrupt, he
said.
But if he puts a bullet in me some lovely evening,
Imgoing to be pretty annoyed with you. She went over and put her arm abouthis
shoulder, and stood smiling down at him through her tears.
Havent run down the guilty man, by
anychance.
So he tried to tell me that Monday afternoon. I did
it for you,Cary, but I didnt want you to know. Oh, hes all right, replied John
Quincy without enthusiasm. Ive taken your word for a good many things, said John
Quincy hotly.
Im very much annoyed with Captain Hallet, she
replied, so that makesus even. John Quincy circled round her and plunged into the
bushes. When Cary found it in my desk and brought it to me, I tore it
up.
The explanation is very simple, Cope replied.
Impossible in Rear Bay at Boston, he said, buthere at moonly crossroads of Pacific,
not so much so.
In the first excitement I didnt remember, or I
should have spoken, sheexplained.
Tell me, my boy, Cope said when they were seated,
is there anythingnew on the Winterslip murder?
Chan, you are a member of the police force, Captain
Cope went on.
Im here, of course, in regard to that story you
told Saturdaynight. The Corsicancigarette found by Dan Winterslips door was,
naturally, of Virginiatobacco. Captain Cope followed, tall,haughty, a man of evident
power and determination. As Iunderstand it, you have two things against old Jim
here.
He stared in wonder at thepeaceful scene before
him. Does ithappily chance you know his date of arrival here?