“And the women who were unwilling to be searched—especially the one who protested loudly?”
“I’ve not learned anything of much interest about her.”
“Wasn’t her name Viola Granger?”
“Yes, it was.”
“That name strikes me as familiar. I’m sure I’ve heard it somewhere.”
“Can’t you remember?” Nancy asked eagerly.
“Let me see—now I have it! That woman has a prison record!”
“A prison record!” Nancy exclaimed. “Are you certain?”
“Yes, the affair happened at least ten years ago, but I have a good memory for names. As I recall, she was sentenced to five years in prison.”
“On what charge?”
“Robbery.”
“Then you think it was she who took the jewels?”
“The clue may be worth investigating.”
“But I don’t see how she could have been the one,” Nancy declared, with a troubled frown. “She was sitting on the opposite side of the room, a long way from Mrs. Willoughby’s table. Several of the guests were willing to swear that she never stirred from her chair, even when the others rushed to the windows.”
“H‑m, that does seem to explode the theory, doesn’t it? Well, take the tip for what it’s worth.”