< previous page page_110 next page >

Page 110
Barthemeles reject the idea.
"If not the police, what should I do?" she asked, then smiled ruefully and added, "If you are willing to advise me."
The old man's white brows pulled together. "I'm willing enough," he began and broke off to utter a brief bark of laughter. "Always was one to stick my neck out. Wonder I never got m'head chopped off." He sobered and frowned again. "Trouble is, don't know what advice to give. Put your finger right on the point. Makes all the difference in the world whether that box was meant for you or for Emmeline.''
"Does Mrs. Bates eat candy?" Linda asked. "I've only known her for a week, you see. I haven't any idea whether she does cheat about sweets."
"Used toeat'em, I mean, not cheat. Remember sending her some special kind from America oncepralines they were" His voice checked suddenly. "But that was thirty years ago. Now . . . hmmm . . . I'm gettin' old. Sometimes thirty years ago is clearer than yesterday."
He mused in silence and Linda began to wonder whether he had slipped into a dream of the past. Just as she was about to say something to rouse him, however, he turned to her.
"Been thinkin'. Haven't seen Emmeline take a piece of candy since she was ill. Started usin' those little pills thenthe saccharinetoo. Strong willed, Emmeline is. No, she wouldn't have eaten it."
"But would everyone know that?"

 
< previous page page_110 next page >