Carolyn Wells

Name: More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry
Author: Carolyn Wells

More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

Summary

“More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry”, published in 1923, is a work by Carolyn Wells. It explores elements such as Locke, Hutchins and Babcock.

Quotes from More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (Carolyn Wells)

Carolyn Wells, More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

“ No one present claimed the glove or the fan or the mask or the vanity case—but the examiner was not surprised.
They were all of small value, and to claim them might lay an innocent guest open to annoying questions that would mean nothing after all.
The only thing that the detective had any hope of using was the glove. He felt vaguely that much could be learned from a woman’s glove, but though he had examined it carefully inside and out, he could read nothing from it. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carolyn Wells, More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

“ He is a chap who enjoys himself wherever he is. Who is ready to take his part and do his share always. But I’ve never known him to talk about himself or to draw attention to himself—except as it might follow a discussion of his work. He is an earnest and a painstaking painter, though as yet he has not made a name for himself in the Art world. Perhaps once a week, a few of us congregate here and jabber on art topics. A party, such as was held last night, is most unusual for Locke to give though he often has smaller gatherings. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carolyn Wells, More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

“ Miss Vallon was already an illustrator of books or magazines. Miss Cutler was still studying—while the two men painted pictures without any definite idea of their ultimate bestowal.
“Did you never hear Mr. Locke mention a relative or a near friend outside your circle?” Babcock asked.
“No, not that I remember,” Miss Vallon replied, thoughtfully. “I may have heard him speak of his mother once or twice, but only in a reminiscent way; I don’t know whether she is living or not.”
So Miss Vallon’s knowledge was of no more help than Post’s.
The examiner turned hopefully to Pearl Jane Cutler. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carolyn Wells, More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

“ The medical examiner well knew that it was not an unknown case for a wife to have friends of whom her husband knew nothing, but that fact couldn’t prove any thing in the present instance.
All the guests of the night before had been allowed to go to their homes because of the utter absence of any sort of evidence to warrant their detention or even further questioning, except for three friends, who were said to be Locke’s intimates.
These three, Miss Vallon, Miss Cutler and Mr. Post, had been summoned to the inquiry, and Rodman Jarvis, of course, was there. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carolyn Wells, More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

“ She has turned from a hysterical baby to a self-composed young woman altogether too quickly! I believe she has had some word from Locke, somehow. Of course he will telephone to some one, as soon as he can manage it. Unless he is really the criminal and has vamoosed for good and all.”
“Well,” Nick Nelson said to his new friend, Jarvis, after hearing some more of this futile querying, “I don’t see as anybody can get anywhere. It isn’t the Examiner’s fault—nor yet Hutchins’—but they have nothing to work on. So far as we can gather, Locke is a proper, well-behaved citizen—but he mayn’t be at all. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carolyn Wells, More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

“ He is in no way a distinguished looking man—I mean, he isn’t distinctive looking.”
“Even as you and I,” Nelson said smiling.
Jarvis looked at him.
“Either you or I would find it harder to disguise ourselves than Locke,” he said; “we’re of stronger peculiarities.”
“But why do you think Locke is under necessity of such procedure?” Nelson asked; “do you assume that he is responsible for the crime?”
“I don’t quite say that,” Jarvis returned, slowly, “but I don’t see any other way to look.”
“What about that girl?” Nelson asked; “the little, pretty one?” ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carolyn Wells, More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

“ Indeed, his whole manner and attitude was frank and straightforward, and Nelson, who was a good reader of character, felt that Post knew no more of Locke than he had declared.
Miss Vallon was questioned next.
Her story was much the same as Henry Post’s.
She gave the impression that she and Miss Cutler, Mr. Post and Mr. Locke formed a sort of informal quartette. That they dined together perhaps once a fortnight or so, and afterward spent the evening in Locke’s studio, discussing the subjects in which they were all interested. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carolyn Wells, More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

“ To the question, “Who did it?” there could be no convincing answer until Thomas Locke could be found and made to speak for himself.
However, there was one point on which Hutchins felt he must have light.
“Miss Cutler,” he said, easily, “are you and Mr. Locke especially good friends?”
The girl’s cheeks took on a deeper color, but she said coldly, “Will you state what you mean by that term?”
“Whew!” Hutchins thought to himself. “What has come over her? She’s been coached by somebody—and a mighty good job, at that.” ”

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Source: Wikisource

Carolyn Wells, More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (1923)

“ Oh, she’s an innocent baby. I know her. She did get into the room—and she doubtless felt curiosity—or maybe wanted to be helpful, thinking some one had fainted. She’s all right—that child, but she is in love with Tommy. ”

Carolyn Wells

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Quotes from More Lives Than One — VIII. The Public Inquiry (Carolyn Wells)

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