Octavus Roy Cohen

“ His hand went out and gripped Carroll’s. “If you and Hall are not on the level, Carroll, then no one is. In some cases a man has to take a chance. I’m taking mine here and now with you. I promise to withhold nothing—however damning it may seem.”
“Good! I expected as much, Mr. Denson. And now let’s sit down and talk this thing over. In the first place, you have never answered my question; did Hamilton dislike Harrelson very keenly?” ”

“ Hamilton was in love with her himself, and wished to marry her.”
“I see. And now this: In your opinion, is Vincent Harrelson the type of young man to have shouldered the burden of Miss Duval’s guilt, provided he is convinced that she is guilty of the killing?”
Denson pondered.
“I believe he is, but I am not sure. The boy’s one weakness is a lack of decision. I should say, too, that he has a selfish trait. On the other hand, I would volunteer the opinion that if he had really committed the crime and knew that Miss Duval were suspected he would confess his guilt.” ”

“ Carroll nodded briefly.
“Thanks, Rafferty. You’ve done very well. Just remain on duty with Weaver and Shorter and carry out Chief Rollins’ instructions. You may go.”
He walked back into the living room with Commissioner Hall at his heels. The commissioner sank weakly into a chair.
“This investigation almost terrifies me,” said Hall a bit nervously. “The more we investigate the farther away we get from a solution. Every place we look, every question we ask, develops some new ramification which bewilders me more. ”