"
He paused, waiting for her answer. "What letters?" she said wearily.
"From you to Jack Bailey--showing that you had recently become
engaged to him."
Dale decided to make a clean breast of it, or as clean a one as she
dared.
"Very well," she said in an even voice, "that's true."
"Why didn't you say so before?" There was menace beneath his
suavity.
She thought swiftly. Apparent frankness seemed to be the only
resource left her. She gave him a candid smile.
"It's been a secret. I haven't even told my aunt yet." Now she
let indignation color her tones. "How can the police be so stupid
as to accuse Jack Bailey, a young man and about to be married? Do
you think he would wreck his future like that?"
"Some people wouldn't call it wrecking a future to lay away a
million dollars," said Anderson ominously. He came closer to Dale,
fixing her with his eyes. "Do you know where Bailey is now?" He
spoke slowly and menacingly.
She did not flinch.
"No."
The detective paused.
"Miss Ogden," he said, still with that hidden threat in his voice,
"in the last minute or so the Union Bank case and certain things
in this house have begun to tie up pretty close together. Bailey
disappeared this morning. Have you heard from him since?"
Her eyes met his without weakening, her voice was cool and composed.
"No."
The detective did not comment on her answer. She could not tell
from his face whether he thought she had told the truth or lied.
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