Natalie Sumner Lincoln

Name: The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions
Author: Natalie Sumner Lincoln

The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions (1922)

Summary

“The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions”, published in 1922, is a work by Natalie Sumner Lincoln. It explores elements such as Edward Rodgers, Leigh Wallace and Mitchell.

Quotes from The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions (Natalie Sumner Lincoln)

Natalie Sumner Lincoln, The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions (1922)

“ What are your reasons for claiming that Edward Rodgers is an adventurer?”
Mrs. Parsons did not reply at once and Mitchell studied her with covert interest. She was dressed in exquisite taste and the delicate rose-tint of her complexion had been applied with such consummate skill that even the uncompromising glare of a March morning betrayed no signs of make-up to the sharp eyes of her visitor. Mitchell had always been more or less susceptible to women’s wiles, and his stiff official manner had thawed perceptibly when she had welcomed him with a cordiality very gratifying to his amour propre. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Natalie Sumner Lincoln, The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions (1922)

“ Mrs. Parsons paused in indecision; then with an air of perfect candor addressed the impatient inspector.
“Of course you will respect my confidence,” she began. Mitchell nodded. “There is a certain man in Washington who has gained a welcome in the most exclusive homes,” she paused. “I believe him to be an adventurer.”
“Come, Mrs. Parsons, that is not being very explicit,” remonstrated Mitchell. “To whom are you alluding?”
“A man calling himself Edward Rodgers.” ”

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Source: Wikisource

Natalie Sumner Lincoln, The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions (1922)

“ Mrs. Parsons pushed aside the vase of flowers standing on the table so that she could obtain an unobstructed view of Mitchell and the papers lying in front of him. “Strange, is it not, that Major Leigh Wallace and Edward Rodgers should both be in Washington and both interested in the Baird murder?”
“Why strange?” Inspector Mitchell was not to be drawn. “All Washington is interested in Miss Susan Baird’s death.”
“But not with such a personal interest.” Mrs. Parsons’ voice was honey sweet. “Edward Rodgers has promised to aid in tracing her murderer. Also, Colonel Holt was Kitty Baird’s uncle.” ”

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Source: Wikisource

Natalie Sumner Lincoln, The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions (1922)

“ Mrs. Parsons lowered her voice. “What he told my husband under pledge of secrecy was that the second will was also a forgery.”
“Second will?” sharply. “You mean the will produced by the nephew?”
“Exactly so.”
“Well, good gracious!” Mitchell rubbed his head, perplexed in mind. “Why wasn’t it proven a forgery then?”
“Because its legality was never questioned. You will recall that Colonel Holt’s nephew produced letters and documents to prove his claim, and—” with a quiet smile—“every one’s attention was centered on Jake Brown and the will he fostered. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Natalie Sumner Lincoln, The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions (1922)

“ As far as I know, the second will was so cleverly drawn that it never aroused suspicion.”
“And thus the nephew inherited his uncle’s money.” Mitchell stroked his chin thoughtfully. “What was Gentleman Jake’s object in telling this—” he hesitated, torn between a sense of politeness and unbelief, “this story to your husband?”
“Jake said that he confided in him hoping that Mr. Parsons could catch Edward Rodgers tripping some day and send him to the ‘pen,’” she replied.
“Did your husband place any faith in Jake’s yarn?” he asked. “A cornered crook, like a cornered cat, will fight—and lie.” ”

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Source: Wikisource

Natalie Sumner Lincoln, The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions (1922)

“ You are not obliged to pick a crooked detective to work for you.”
“That is just it— Can you recommend a trustworthy person to—to—”
“To what, Madam?” as she came to a stammering halt.
“To learn certain facts in a person’s life.” ”

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Source: Wikisource

Natalie Sumner Lincoln, The Cat's Paw — IX. Mrs. Parsons Asks Questions (1922)

“ Mitchell warmed to his subject. “And according to the will, Colonel Holt left him a hundred thousand dollars. Then along came a nephew who dug up another will and claimed that the one leaving the legacy to Gentleman Jake was a clever forgery.”
“And the nephew won his case through the expert testimony of Edward Rodgers, handwriting expert,” added Mrs. Parsons. “Gentleman Jake was sent to the penitentiary and—”
“Died before his term was up,” Mitchell completed the sentence for her.
“But before he died he sent for my husband,” Mrs. Parsons paused, then spoke more rapidly. ”

Natalie Sumner Lincoln

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