A suspicious person might presume
that that forty thousand pounds has found its way to the stronger
of the combination."
"Anything else?" Tavernake asked.
"I won't worry you much more," the detective answered. "There
are a few other circumstances which seem to need explanation, but
they can wait. There is one serious one, however, and that is
where you come in."
"Indeed!" Tavernake remarked. "I was hoping you would come to
that soon."
"The two sisters, Beatrice and Elizabeth, have been together ever
since we can learn anything of their history. Those people who
don't understand the disappearance of Wenham Gardner would like
to know why they quarreled and parted, why Beatrice is keeping
away from her sister in this strange manner. I personally, too,
should like to know from Miss Beatrice when she last saw Wenham
Gardner alive."
"You want me to ask Miss Beatrice these things?" Tavernake
demanded.
"It might come better from you," Pritchard admitted. "I have
written her to the theatre but naturally she has not replied."
Tavernake looked curiously at his companion.
"Do you really suppose," he asked, "that, even granted there were
any unusual circumstances in connection with that quarrel--do you
seriously suppose that Beatrice would give her sister away?"
The detective sighed.
"No doubt, Mr. Tavernake," he said, "these young ladies are
friends of yours, and perhaps for that reason you are a little
prejudiced in their favor.
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