CHAPTER XVII.
CRAY WIRES FOR “CARTER.”It is not to be wondered at that Mrs. Simpson looked surprised at a question which appeared so irrelevant.
“Yes, I do,” she answered, “but I don’t see what in the world that has to do with Mr. Simpson’s absence.”
“Nothing, of course,” was the prompt response. “I’m trying to get at something else, Mrs. Simpson—I’m afraid I can’t tell you just what at present. Are you a light sleeper?”
“Yes, very.”
“I suppose your room is on the second floor, there, where those double windows are?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And the windows are open these nights?”
“Of course—all of them. It has been very warm, you know.”
“Was that the room you originally planned to occupy?”
Mrs. Simpson looked amazed.
“Why, no, it wasn’t,” she confessed. “Naturally, the best bedroom is supp
