Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 42 – Ripley · Verses Across
Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 42Chapter 41
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Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 42
Chapter 41
RipleyEnglish
The Professor Listens
‘Why the rush to get back to New York?’ inquired Fordney, a few minutes after Delavin stepped from the plane. ‘Thought you intended spending the summer in Cuba.’
‘Well, if you must know, my bank failed, and I came back to straighten out my affairs.’
‘That’s too bad, Delavin. How did you hear about it?’
He handed Fordney a clipping from the Jacksonville Herald:
New York, July 5. (AP)—Foundation Bank & Trust Co., one of New York’s oldest banking establishments, closed its doors today...
‘Sure you didn’t come back to help your pal Ryan?’ asked the Professor. ‘He’s been in jail for two days. Ever since the Fourth-of-July bombing. Had a letter on him signed by you asking him to get in touch with a C. J. Wallace.
‘We traced Wallace and discovered he is with an ammunition company. When the District Attorney heard you were on your way here, he asked me to meet you. He thinks you know something about the bombing.’
‘In jail, huh? I didn’t know there had been a bombing. Wallace is a cousin of mine.’
‘Where did you catch your plane?’
‘Why—er—Jacksonville, Florida. You see, I was staying at a rather remote place and no planes serve that part of Cuba. Really had no thought of leaving until I read of the bank failure.’
‘Well, you had better think of a more convincing alibi, before the District Attorney questions you.’
‘Oh, I suppose somebody wired him that “Spider” McCoy met the plane when we landed in Norfolk. He’s got nothing on me!’ exclaimed Delavin.
What do you think of Delavin’s actions? Suspicious? Why?
