Jacques Futrelle

The Ralston Bank Burglary Jacques Futrelle

Book Excerpt: ...shot in the lock as he started away."I think it only fair to say here, Professor Van Dusen," explained the president, "that we understand thoroughly that it would have been impossible for Mr. West to have had anything to do with or know----""Nothing is impossible," interrupted The Thinking Machine."But I won't----" began West, angrily."Just a moment, please," said The Thinking Machine. "No one has accused you of anything. What I am doing may explain to your satisfaction just how your handkerchief came here and bring about the very thing I suppose you want--exoneration."The cashier sank back into a chair; President Fraser looked from one to the other. Where there had been worry on his face there was now only wonderment."Your handkerchief was found in this office, apparently having been dropped by the persons who blew the safe," and the long, slender fingers of The Thinking Machine were placed tip to tip as he talked. "It was not there the night before. The janit...