Under His Thumb — page 133: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

124 UNDER HIS THUMB. false precepts which mold the childhood of the masses. Croly, like all truly great detectives, made a dis- tinction between wrong and the doer of the wrong. ‘TI said that I did not believe you to be guilty of this crime,’’ the detective repeated, adding, however, ina tone of conviction: ‘‘I do believe, nevertheless, that you can help me to bring to justice the real cul- prit.’’ “Why do you think so?’’ ‘‘Because you probably know who were Mr. Wal- dron’s enemies.”’ ‘‘Perhaps Ido. But he had few enemies.”’ “I wish you to explain one or two points, at all events.”’ “What are they??’’ “You gave your daughter, Stella, a revolver for her to use in self-defense, should she need such a weapon, did you not?’’ ey aid,” | “Did you know that it was this weapon which took the life of Mr. Waldron?’’ “Stella told me of the result of your investiga- tions.” ‘‘Can you explain how it was taken from her room, and by whom?’’ BF if can. 2? feAh! }99 Brandon’s face was somewhat pale, and he labored under intense excitement, as was attested by a tremor that shook his form. The detective, surprised at his reply, quietly con- tinued: ‘“Who, then, purloined the weapon?’’ ‘You probably think I did.’’