He
must have done it the moment he received my telegram announcing his
uncle's death"
"Were you with him when he died?"
"Yes--in Colorado. He had angina pectoris and took me with him for
that reason. But with care he might have lived a considerable time.
The trouble was that he wouldn't use ordinary care. He ate and
drank more than he should, and so--"
"I suppose," pursued Miss Cornelia, watching Dale out of the corner
of her eye, "that there is no suspicion that Courtleigh Fleming
robbed his own bank?"
"Well, if he did," said the Doctor amicably, "I can testify that he
didn't have the loot with him." His tone grew more serious. "No!
He had his faults--but not that."
Miss Cornelia made up her mind. She had resolved before not to
summon the Doctor for aid in her difficulties, but now that chance
had brought him here the opportunity seemed too good a one to let
slip.
"Doctor," she said, "I think I ought to tell you something. Last
night and the night before, attempts were made to enter this house.
Once an intruder actually got in and was frightened away by Lizzie
at the top of that staircase." She indicated the alcove stairs.
"And twice I have received anonymous communications threatening my
life if I did not leave the house and go back to the city."
Dale rose from her settee, startled.
"I didn't know that, Auntie! How dreadful!" she gasped.
Instantly Miss Cornelia regretted her impulse of confidence. She
tried to pass the matter off with tart humor.
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