Ames nodded vaguely.
“There are no prints on that now,” said Gamadge, indicating the blue envelope. “It’s had careless treatment. But he found them there the day he died. Sylvia Coldfield was right—but she was too merciful. There is no insanity in your family, Mr. Coldfield.”
Ames stammered: “Last night I—but I cast it out of my mind. Fantastic.”
“So your sister-in-law, Glendon’s widow, thought. But when she thought so, she didn’t know about the Garthwain letters.”
Ames suddenly got to his feet. He said faintly: “I must have some brandy. I…” He went to the cupboard, and came back with the decanter and two of the little glasses. His hands were trembling. He filled the glasses, sat down and began to sip at his own drink. After a minute he cleared his throat, and said more loudly: “Motive
