In regard to his recent mode
of life, the document contained the suggestive fact that Muhlen had not
taken his midday meal at the hotel for some time past. He was strangely
fond of going out in the late mornings, the proprietor averred; it
might be, to bathe; he returned at about five in the afternoon after
lunching, presumably, in some small restaurant by the shore.
This declaration, signed by a respected citizen, soon leaked into
publicity. Taken in conjunction with the discovery of his money it was
an eye-opener to the whole community, and to nobody more than to the
judge himself. Signor Malipizzo argued, with his usual penetration,
that Muhlen had intended to return to his quarters as he had always
done of late. The ANIMUS REVERTENDI was abundantly proven by the
sleeve-links and loose cash. He had not returned. Ergo, something
untoward had happened. Untoward things may be divided, for the sake of
convenience, into two main classes, sections, or categories:
1. Accidents.
2. Foul play.
Pages:
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649