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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Probably, he repeated to Markham with good-natured
contempt. In this chair reposed the body of Alvin Benson. Anyway, Im deuced grateful
to you,and all that, for letting me behold the solemn proceedings. The sooner I get
mymen started, the better.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Wed like a postmortem report today, Doctor. The
investigation is entirely up to you,Sergeant. I just cant seewhy anybodyd want to
kill him. Theadded clarity of vision it gave him seemed subtly to affect hisclarity
of mind.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Heath jumped up, and pressed the button she had
indicated. Its rather mild, y know, but delicately blended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Not a soul, sir, the housekeeper answered
emphatically.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Its hard to see, on account of the gold
tip.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>You now see, Vance, observed Markham, the
importance of thosecigarette butts.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>On seeing Markham he came forwardstiffly with
outstretched hand.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Well, Im glad of that, was his
perfunctoryreply.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Vances mysterious revolver in the secret drawer. He
wasall the time going to parties or giving parties. Ill arrange for a guardoutside
and also for a man inside to keep an eye on the Platz woman. We now reentered the
hallway and stood for a moment at the foot ofthe stairs leading above. The
housekeeper told me he had anappointment and went out to dinner in his dress
clothes.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>He walked up to itand regarded it
closely.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>He was a nervous man with a heavily seamed face and
the manner of areal estate salesman.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Then, after a few awkward movements, he answered
with unhurriedprecision. After a closer inspection of the cigarette, he turnedagain
to Vance. Ivebeen vastly amused, even if not uplifted.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>It was severely but well furnishedand in excellent
order.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Youd be postively dumfounded, Sergeant, at all I
did learn,Vance answered carelessly. Nobody in the car, or anyone hanging aroundwho
might have been the owner? Markham, heexplained in a low, well-modulated voice.
Anyway, remarked Heath, the car story will be good stuff to handthe
reporters.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>His head was round andabnormally large, and his
ears seemed sunken into his skull. I prefer the blushing rose, if you dont mind,
Vance protested. Not a soul, sir, the housekeeper answered
emphatically.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I told Major Benson Id see him at lunchtime; and I
may have somenews for you by tonight.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Maybe those cigarettes came out of thatcase, he
suggested.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thats very kind of you, sir, Heath returned.
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