Page:The Viaduct Murder (1926).pdf/102

"But how," objected Carmichael, "would you explain the fact that you were coming to her? Remember, it isn't certain that she knew Brotherhood at all, that is, in his own person. You see it was not to Brotherhood but to Davenant that she gave the photograph. And natural enough—if I had been in that position, I would sooner have gone courting as Davenant than as Brotherhood."

"I could simply pretend I was coming to her as to one of the oldest residents."

"Tactful Openings, Number One," suggested Gordon, crumbling his bread. "No, Reeves, it won't do. I'd like to see you dressed up as a reporter again, because I think there's something very fetching about it. But I don't believe that even in that disguise you will win the heart of a mature female. You'll have to think out some other dodge."

"I suppose you'd like me to burgle her house while she's out," said Reeves, with unnecessary irritation.

"But you don't want to see her house," objected the literal-minded Gordon, "you want to see her."

"Very well, then," said Reeves, "I shall go and tell her the truth. At least, I shall tell her that we're investigating Brotherhood's murder, and that this portrait of her was found on the body. I shall urge her to tell me if she knows of any enemies that Brotherhood had, any secrets which might throw light upon his end."

"That's far the best principle," agreed Gordon.