Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 45 – Ripley · Verses Across
Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 45Chapter 44
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Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 45
Chapter 44
RipleyEnglish
The Professor is Disappointed
‘What’ll I do, Professor,’ implored Vi Cargo, as Fordney examined the ground beneath her bedroom window.
Seven A.M. A fine time to start looking for a thief! Why couldn’t women be more careful of their jewelry!
‘I was restless all night,’ said Vi, as Fordney knelt beside a deep impression of a man’s right shoe.
‘By Jove, I thought we’d found one of your stones,’ he said, pointing to a leaf in the footprint. ‘Look at the sunlight glistening on those raindrops!’
‘It was the shower that awakened me around six,’ chattered Vi. ‘It only lasted about fifteen minutes. I dozed off again and awakened with a start just as a man jumped to the ground, from my bedroom window.’
‘Was that just before you came for me?’
‘Yes.’
‘Are are you alone, Vi?’
‘Yes. The servants are in the country.’
‘Then why did you have all your jewels in the house?’
‘I had worn them to Mrs. De Forest’s party.’
‘Do you know anyone who smokes this brand?’ asked Fordney, picking up from the ground an unsmoked cigarette of English manufacture.
‘Yes. Mr. Nelson, who brought me home last night. However, I threw that one there.’
‘The thief chiseled open this window directly under your bedroom.’
‘I wondered how he got in! The doors were all locked.’
‘Come, my dear! Don’t you think you’ve treated the old Professor rather shabbily? You women! I know your jewels are heavily insured and I also know of your bridge debts. Who helped you fake this robbery? Nelson?’