“Oh, you’ve been wonderful, Nancy. I wasn’t blaming you for a minute. I know I shouldn’t expect you to solve a mystery when the police and professional detectives can’t do it.”
“I may do it yet!” Nancy said resolutely. “I haven’t given up!”
“I’ll be your slave forever if you get my jewels back!” Emily promised rashly.
“If I do, I’ll not exact such high pay,” and Nancy smiled. “By the way, is Mrs. Willoughby here?”
“No, she went to River Heights early this morning. A detective came after her and took her to headquarters for more questioning. I feel so sorry for her! They haven’t given her a day’s rest since the robbery.”
“You think a great deal of her, don’t you, Emily?”
“Indeed I do! She’s always looked after me like a mother.”
“Do you know anything about her finances?”
“Her finances? What do you mean?”
“Well, to put it bluntly, has she ever been in need of money? Recently, I mean.”
“Oh, yes. She always worries about debts, though I guess she manages to get them all paid in some way. Mrs. Willoughby craves pretty things, but her income isn’t sufficient to meet all her wants, and that’s the rub. She buys more than she can pay for.” As she spoke Emily glanced anxiously at Nancy and noticing her sober expression, decided that she had told too much. “I hope you don’t think Mrs. Willoughby had anything to do with the robbery,” she added sharply. “Why, she wouldn’t touch a penny of my fortune!”