Yes, that would explain his being there, said Pinckney, eagerly. Did you know he was going?
No; on the contrary he said he would be home at five oclock.
He told me he might be home earlier, said Mrs. Black, looking sorrowful. I expected him as early as three or four, for we were going out together. You see, Mr. Trowbridge was my fiancé.
Ah, and Pinckney looked at her with increased interest. Are there other members of this household?
No, replied Mrs. Black. Just Mr. Trowbridge and myself, and our dear niece, Miss Trowbridge. We were a very happy family, and now Mrs. Black raised her handkerchief to her eyes, and now, I am all alone.
You two will not remain together, then? the reportorial instinct cropped out.
We havent decided on anything of that sort yet, broke in Avice. Eleanor, dont be ridiculous! Mr. Pinckney is not interested in our domestic arrangements.
Indeed I am. The readers of The Gazette are all anxious to know the least details of your life and home.
They must be disappointed then, and Avices haughty look forbade further personal questions.
Tell me more of the the tragedy, then. Was the weapon found?
No, not that I know of, and Avice looked surprised. I never thought of it.
No, it was not, affirmed Mrs. Black. The police were unable to find any weapon.
Too bad, frowned Pinckney; the dear public loses a thrill.
The public? Do they care? and Avice started.
Rather! New Yorkers love a murder mystery if there are gruesome elements here and there.
All I want is justice, and Avices big, brown eyes turned full on Pinckneys face. You know about such things. Do you suppose we can trace the murderer with so little to go on?
Cant tell yet. May be lots of evidence forthcoming at the inquest.
At this point Mrs. Black was called from the room by a servant, and Pinckney said quickly, Who is she? and why dont you like her?
For some reason, Avice did not resent the mans directness, and answered, slowly. She is housekeeper, and was engaged to my uncle. I dont dislike her, not altogether.
Is she Italian? She looks so.
Of Italian descent, yes. Why?
Nothing. Shes a stunner for looks, but shes entirely able to take care of herself. I say, Miss Trowbridge, are you alone, in this matter, I mean.
In a way, I am. There is no one in the house but the housekeeper and myself. But Judge Hoyt, my uncles lawyer, looks after all business affairs for us.
Judge Hoyt?
Yes, Leslie Hoyt.
Youre fixed all right that way, then. But I say, Miss Trowbridge, I dont want you to think me impertinent, but if I can help you at all in looking about, investigating, you know,
Do you mean detecting?
Yes, in a small way. Ive opportunities to go into the world and inquire into things that are a sealed book to you. But I suppose youll have detectives, and all that. And any way, its too soon to think about it. But remember, if you want any sleuthing done, on the side, in an amateur way Id be awfully glad to help you out.
Thats kind of you Mr. Pinckney, and Ill be glad to take advantage of your offer. But do you have to put everything in your paper?
Just about. Oh, of course, if I unearth anything of importance, like a clue, you know, Id tell the police first but Id want the scoop for ours.
How can there be any clues when it happened in the lonely woods? I thought clues were little things picked up off the floor, or found in peoples pockets.
Well, mightnt they pick up little things off the ground? Or find them in your uncles pockets?
Do you think they will? Mr. Pinckney, youve no idea how I want to find the murderer! I never knew before that I had so much revenge in my nature, but I feel now I could devote my whole life, if need be, to tracking down that villain! I loved my uncle almost like a father. Most girls, I suppose, would be so broken up with grief that they couldnt talk like this, but I seem to find the only comfort in the thought of avenging this horrible deed!
Dont bank on it too much, Miss Trowbridge. They say only one murderer in six is convicted, and in only a small fraction of murders is anybody even suspected of the crime. But this case will be ferreted out, Im sure, both because of the prominence of your uncle, and the fact that there is money enough to hire the best talent, if desired.
Indeed it is desired! I shall, of course, inherit much of my uncles fortune, and I would spend every penny rather than fail in the search!
You wont mind my reporting this conversation, will you, Miss Trowbridge? Im here for a story, you know,
Oh, must you put me in the paper? Please dont!
I wont put anything you wont like. But our readers want you. You know, all the men want now-a-days is a graft yarn, and the women, some inside society gos information.
Avice would have made further objection to newspaper publicity, but people began to arrive, and, too, Pinckney was content to leave off conversation at that point.
He was young, and enthusiastic in his chosen career. Moreover, he was canny and clever. He had further chat with Mrs. Black, and he managed to get a few words with the servants. And somehow, by hook or crook, he secured photographs of both women, and of the house, as well as of the victim of the tragedy himself.
Aside from reportorial talent, Pinckney had a taste for detective work. He was, or fancied himself, the stuff of which story-book detectives are made, and he was more than glad to have the press assignment of this case, which might give him wide range for his powers of deduction.
When Judge Hoyt arrived, he at once sought out Avice, and his fine, impassive face grew infinitely gentle as he greeted the sad-eyed girl.
In her black gown, she looked older, and her pale cheeks and drawn countenance told of a sleepless night.
How are you dear? asked Hoyt, taking her hands in his. Ive been so anxious about you.
Im all right, and Avice tried to smile bravely. But Im glad youve come. I feel so alone and responsible Mr. Pinckney says I have a splendid lawyer but I dont see anything for a lawyer to do.
There may be. I believe the police have made quite a few discoveries, though I know nothing definite. Of course, all my legal powers are at your disposal, but I too, doubt if the criminal is ever apprehended.
Oh, dont say that! We must find him! You will, wont you?
Ill do my best Avice. But I am a lawyer, not a detective, you know.
But youre a judge, and you have been district attorney, and youre the greatest criminal lawyer in the state!
Yes, but a criminal lawyer must have a criminal to convict. Rest assured if the criminal is found, he shall have full punishment.
Of course, but I want help to find him. I want to employ detectives and
And so you shall, but wait Avice, until the inquest is over. That may bring developments. I wish I had been here in New York yesterday.
What could you have done?
Perhaps nothing to prevent or help, but I would have been at your uncles office during the day, and I would have known of his plans. Who is this Pinckney you mentioned?
A reporter for The Daily Gazette? I didnt want to see him at first, but Im glad I did. Hes going to help me detect.