"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 231 - Garden of Death" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

"Poor dad," she said, in a sorrowful tone. Then, turning to Weston, she added: "Dr. Williams tells me that
his death was accidental."

The commissioner hesitated; then nodded. Before Weston could speak, Cranston intervened.

"You could help in establishing the fact," he said. "The commissioner would appreciate it, Fay; and I
know that it would be as your father would have wanted it."

The girl nodded, her eyes meeting Cranston's in a steady manner. She understood that even the most
trivial points might prove of value. With a slight monotone in her voice, she recounted her own
experiences during the day.

SHE had gone in town in the morning and made a few purchases, among them the weather doll, which
she mentioned specifically, because it happened to be in sight on Bendleton's desk. She added that she
had bought two of them, and left one in a package, addressing it to her aunt in Philadelphia.

Arriving home, Fay had lunched with her father. Later, she recalled, a man had arrived from the electric
company, to read the meter. Harvey, the butler, had shown him to the cellar.

At that point, Weston was about to blurt something, when Cranston intervened again.

"By that time, Fay," he queried, "did it impress you that the house was stuffy?"

"Yes, it was," the girl answered. "But dad always kept the place so tightly closed. Really" - she shook her
head - "I wouldn't be a good person to judge."

"Why not find the man from the electric company?" Cranston's suggestion was to Weston. "He might be
able to give an opinion on the matter. Fay can tell you his name, commissioner."

"But I can't," exclaimed Fay. "He didn't state his name. Electric men never do. He was a new man, and I
remember what he looked like. He was rather short and stocky and wore a sweater. His face - well, I'd
recognize it if I saw it."

"We'll find the electric man," promised Weston. "Proceed, Miss Bendleton."

"Much later in the afternoon," Fay declared, "dad suggested that I drive over and get Professor Malbray.
He's so forgetful, you know" - she gave a slight smile toward Malbray - "that dad was afraid the
appointment would slip his mind. So I drove across to Manhattan by way of the Triboro Bridge, to the
professor's house."

"To remind me of my engagement," acknowledged Malbray. "One that I would actually have forgotten, if
you hadn't come for me."
Fay nodded; then said:

"That's about all, commissioner."

Weston suggested a trip downstairs. When they arrived at the lower hall, Fay glanced toward the table
beneath the canary's cage. She turned to the commissioner.

"The package I mentioned," said the girl. "Harvey must have mailed it. I left it on that table, along with the