human
How do you suppose it got in the car?
gpt
Some one must have dropped it and it must have rolled in that space by the edge of the mat, replied the chauffeur.
human
There was just room for it, too! I never would have noticed it without taking up the mat.
gpt
It couldn't be broken, by being trampled on?
human
Nope! Not a chance!
gpt
How long could it have been there?
human
Two or three or four days--since I cleaned up last.
gpt
Isn't it possible, I suggested,
human
It's quite likely, he admitted.
gpt
On the other hand, Walter, the very smartest criminal will do some foolish little thing, enough to ruin the most careful plans and preparations. He turned to McGroarty.
human
Who rode in your car yesterday?
gpt
Mine's the principals' car, boasted McGroarty.
human
Going out I had Miss Lamar, Miss Loring, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Shirley, and Mr. Werner. Coming back Mr. Werner was with you, and Miss Lamar--well, there was only Miss Loring and Mr. Gordon and Mr. Shirley.
gpt
Did you notice how they acted?
human
They never says a word to each other on all the trip back, but I didn't think it strange after what happened, although usually they're always joking and laughing.
gpt
You brought the three to the studio here?
human
Yes. They had to get out of make-up.
gpt
Did you leave the car then?
human
No, I hit it right for the garage.
gpt
Were you away from the car at Tarrytown?
human
Sure! That was a long wait. Peters, Manton's chauffeur, and I found a couple of horseshoes and we were throwing them most of the time.
gpt
How long was the machine alone here in the yard this morning?
human
A couple of hours, maybe. I knew the old boiler was safe enough, and that if they wanted me they'd look over in McCann's.
gpt
Well, Kennedy extended his hand,
human
I thank you, and I won't forget you, McGroarty.
gpt
See! It's just as I thought yesterday!
human
How's that, Walter?
gpt
Werner! He rode out in that machine, but not back. In Manton's car he was worried all the time. He probably knew he had dropped the tube. Then he hurried up ahead of us and wiped the needle--
human
See, you're jumping at conclusions too fast. You remember now that we decided that the towel has nothing directly to do with the poison. In a way you cannot assume that this ampulla has, either, although I myself feel sure on that point. But in any case no one is eliminated. It is true Werner did not return in the same automobile. It is also true that he had little opportunity to drop it while others were in the car with him. When McGroarty was away from the car anyone could have lost it, or--as you suggested a moment ago--planted it there deliberately to divert suspicion.
gpt
Can't--Isn't there anyone we can say is innocent, at least, even if we cannot begin to fasten the guilt upon somebody?
human
At this stage the one is as hard as the other. I consider myself lucky to have collected as much material as I have for the analysis of the poison.
gpt
Yoo-hoo!
human
Did you think I was going to forget you? she asked, almost reproachfully and much out of breath.
gpt
Let's hurry, she added.
human
This is roast beef day.