The place on the shelf wereit was generally kept,
was empty.
Weve been led into a Moorish maze by the murderer,
but thekey hasnt yet been placed in our hands.
And didnt he have every opportunity to bumpKyle
off? Hani obviously resented the question, but there was no indication ofhis feeling
in his answer. Kyle brought to justice you will not resent those questions butwill
answer them frankly. Vance sighed deeply and looked at his watch.
But this isnt an appropriate time to discuss the
creativeinstinct.
Kyles death would enrich both you and Mr. Salveter,
Vance went on, shifting his gaze to theman, will you please go to your
room.
Salveter seemed disconcerted and worried. It wont
compromise you in the slightest to tell us.
Bliss, and naturallyher husband is an obstacle to
his suit. I was watching Hani, and I expected to see him show some sign offear at
Vances question. I gave her one of my Régies, Vance told him carelessly. His face
was wreathed insmiles, and he swaggered as he walked toward Vance. Well, here I am,
he announced with belligerence. Vance rose and placed his hand pacifyingly onthe
others shoulder. Vance approached the woman and, after shehad sat down, took a chair
facing her. By the way, where do you think Hani found the can ofopium?
Youve got some pretty definite idea; and all
yourmaunderings couldnt convince me to the contrary. The other took a deep breath,
and the pupils of his eyes dilated.
I drew myself another cup of coffee, andat once
went back up-stairs. I say, Sergeant;mightnt that come under the head of panic on
the part of animpractical scientist? You think, then, we did right in releasing your
husband?
This bird made a coupla mistakes and, seeing he was
caught, triedto get outa the country. Kyle would not have been the object of
hiscrime. By the way, where do you think Hani found the can ofopium?
He has the most equable temper I haveever
seen.
Vance effendi is too erudite for my inferior
comprehension.
Dropped in here,perhaps, for a bit of caffein
stimulant before tackling his victimin the museum. Dingle regarded us stolidly and
waited, unperturbed, her hands onher generous hips.
It was afterhours, but he knew the manager and
didnt have no trouble gettinghis money.
Bring me a small container of some kind, Brush, he
ordered. Anyhow, you couldnt knock me over with a feather.
Then again, the police might hold that Mr. I wasnt
aware of it, she replied listlessly; though Im notsurprised.
Hed have youapologizin to him within forty-eight
hours.
A few moments later hereappeared with a corpulent,
placid woman of about fifty.
At last I comprehend why you have questioned me
concerning thecoffee, he said. There were none left in Turkey when I applied for
ashipment.