5. DOWNWARD NO DOOR
The five men descended to the living-room at once. A glance at the formidable company that awaited them there caused Charlie’s heart to sink. He looked toward the sheriff. The young man nervously cleared his throat.
“This is sure too bad,” he began. “It’s going to be pretty unpleasant for all of us, I guess. I’m Don Holt, sheriff of the county, and I don’t aim to cause no innocent person any unnecessary trouble. But I got to get to the bottom of this business, and the shorter the route, the better for all of us—well, most of us, anyhow. I’ve asked Inspector Chan, who’s had more experience in this line than I have, to give me a hand here, an’ I want to say right now, that when he asks, you answer. That’s all, I reckon.”
A diversion at the door interrupted the proceedi
