Mr. Curtis was in a pitiful state of nerves over the
killing, and so were the ladies. 'Gad, everybody seemed to know all
about the business except De Soto and me. The man, it seems, made such
a devil of a racket when he came home with the news that the whole
house was up in pajamas and peignoirs. He didn't say anything about a
second Johnnie being shot, however. I'm glad he didn't know about it,
for that matter. He'll be seeing one ghost for the rest of his days
and that's enough, without having another foisted upon him."
"I think I have a slight acquaintance with the chauffeur," said
Barnes. "He gave me the most thrilling motor ride I've ever
experienced. 'Gad, I'll never forget it."
The two men looked at him, plainly perplexed.
"When was all this?" inquired De Soto.
"Early last evening. He took me from the cross-roads to Hart's Tavern
in a minute and a half, I'll bet my soul."
"Last evening?" said O'Dowd, something like skepticism in his tone.
"Yes. He picked up your latest guest at the corners, and she insisted
on his driving me to the Tavern before the storm broke. I've been
terribly anxious about her. She must have been caught out in all that
frightful--"
"What's this you are saying, Mr.
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