Isabel Ostrander

“ I've got proof that two weeks ago come to-morrow night you had supper alone with Mr. Creveling in his house and high words passed between you over a lady; I've a witness who can testify as to that. I'm not one to work up sensations for the press to spring on the public and drag people that's maybe innocent into notoriety and scandal; 'twas for that I came here to you, man to man."
"Did your witness tell you the name of the lady who was supposed to have been discussed on that occasion?" Waverly sneered.
"If that's the way you care to put it, yes, sir," responded McCarty. ”

“ McCarty said blandly. "I'd have to ask you to take a little ride downtown with me and the head house detective here and tell the inspector in charge of the case what it was you and Mr. Creveling almost came to blows about after that little supper week before last. I thought you'd rather keep out of the notoriety and all; that's why I came to you quiet like."
"So that's it!" Waverly's lip curled. "Graft, eh? Blackm—!"
"Don't go too far, sir!" McCarty's tone was ominously quiet and there was a glint of steel in his eyes. "It'll do you no good to be calling names. ”

“ Who could she have been? He had left Mrs. Creveling still seated in the throne chair in the hall and he was certain that the face he had seen was a rounder, more youthful one than the thin, acidulous countenance of the cook. Had some woman remained concealed in that house despite the rigorous search of the men from borough headquarters?
He felt an impulse to descend from the 'bus and return to investigate, but a second thought restrained him; Mr. Douglas Waverly had named a half an hour later for their interview and he had stated with evident reluctance that he was at the Belterre Hotel. ”

“ He was apparently about forty and the small, light blue eyes set in his smooth red face reminded McCarty somewhat irrelevantly of those of a pig. The latter waited for a few minutes and then, rising, tossed his paper aside and walked over to the desk. Two more arrivals had made their appearance and registered in the interim, but above theirs the hastily written signature of the fat man stood out boldly and McCarty smiled to himself. His theory had proved to be a correct one.
"Will you be sending word to Mr. Douglas Waverly that the man he expects is here?" he requested. ”

“ McCarty ignored the hint to go, and stood his ground firmly.
"If your informant gave you the gist of our conversation on the night of the supposed quarrel you ought to be able to figure that out for yourself." The thick lips parted in an unpleasant smile. "You can't expect a leopard to change his spots altogether, you know. Not that 'Gene wasn't genuinely fond of his wife, but he always had an eye for a pretty woman. I'd heard that he was going it a bit strong over a new case and for Mrs. Creveling's sake I thought I'd try to pull him up before it came to her ears. ”

“ McCarty demanded quickly.
"I knew Creveling." The reply was terse. "He'd have every art dealer and collector of antiques searching for months for a certain Ming vase or ancient prayer rug and when he secured it he scarcely gave it a second glance. It was the same with beautiful women; he'd sit at their feet as long as they were indifferent, but if they gave the first sign of awakened interest—good night!"
"You are sure, then, that this affair hasn't reached the ears of his wife?"
"Of course it hasn't!" Waverly exclaimed hurriedly. "She has always believed in him implicitly ”

“ Creveling is indisposed. Can I take a message, sir?"
"This isn't Rollins talking! Is he there or Frank? My wife just telephoned to me that some sort of an accident had happened to Mr. Creveling, and I want to know if there is anything that I can do. Please convey that message to Mrs. Creveling."
"Very good, sir." McCarty waited for a brief space and then spoke into the mouth piece once more. "Mrs. Creveling is sending me down in person with a message, sir. It is most important and she doesn't want any one here just now. Where can I find you?" ”

“ If he's been done in as you say, I'm inexpressibly shocked and grieved to hear it as the rest of our crowd will be, for he was the best of good fellows even if he did get out of bounds occasionally, but I know no more about his death than you do ”