If I may be
so bold as to offer my services, you may count on me to act as guide
at any time you may elect. I know the lay of the land pretty well, and
what I don't know the gardeners and other men up there do. You are to
call upon all of us if necessary. Mr. Curtis, as you know, is an
invalid. May I suggest, therefore, that you conduct your examination
of the grounds near his home with as little commotion as possible?
Incidentally, I may inform you, but one person at Green Fancy heard
the shots. That person was Mr. Curtis himself. He rang for his
attendant and instructed him to send some one out to find out what it
was all about. The chauffeur went down to Conley's, as you know. If
you consider it absolutely necessary to question Mr. Curtis as to the
time the shots were fired, he will receive you; but I think you may
properly establish that fact by young Conley without submitting a sick
man to the excitement and distress of a--"
The sheriff hastily broke in with the assurance that it was not at all
necessary to disturb Mr. Curtis. It wasn't to be thought of for a
moment. He would, however, like to "run over the ground a bit" that
very afternoon, if it was agreeable to Mr.
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