Jane Carter Investigates: Episode Forty-One
I knew that I shouldn’t try to arouse the patient, but I couldn’t
stop myself from leaning closer and whispering: “Jack, Jack, don’t you know me?
It’s Jane.”
Jack’s eyelids fluttered open. He looked up at me and for the
first time seemed like himself.
“Jane,” he said, and closed his eyes.
“Jack, what happened? Can’t you remember? Was it something about a
houseboat?”
“Houseboat,” he repeated thickly, without opening his eyes again.
“Moving wall.”
He began to roll restlessly, and I was afraid to ask any more
questions. The nurse came back, and I took my leave.
During my absence from Old Mansion, Emma and Mrs. Fairchild had
become well acquainted. I offered them a ride to Greenville, but they both
declined.
“I have decided to remain here in White Falls for at least a few
days,” said Mrs. Fairchild. “So many things must be done to the house, and
then, of course, the Conrad case will be coming up. I couldn’t bear to stay in
the house alone, but Miss Brown has agreed to share the adventure with me.”
“Staying in this house is an adventure,” I agreed. “However, I
think you’ll be safe enough if you keep away from room seven.”
I drove back alone to Greenville, my mind working furiously. By
the time I’d reached Greenville I had formulated a theory about room seven, and
I was eager to consult with my father.
I went straight to the
Examiner’s office, only to be told that Dad had departed a few minutes
earlier for White Falls. I thought it strange that I hadn’t seen him on the
road, but perhaps we had passed each other, and I’d just been too preoccupied
to notice.
I returned home just long enough for luncheon. Mrs. Timms had made
butter chicken and masala-flavored biscuits.
I washed my plate and then told Mrs. Timms that I would be driving
back to White Falls.
“Again? You’ll wear out the tires of your car, Jane. I declare, it
seems as if you’re always going or coming.”
“I must see Dad, Mrs. Timms.”
I telephoned Flo to see if she was free to go with me. By four
o’clock we were back in White Falls. We stopped first at the Gains cottage
where Jennie told us Dad and Doctor Hamsted had left less than half an hour
earlier. They’d gone with the ambulance taking Jack to the hospital.
“Right after they went, some o’ them reporter fellers came here,”
Mud Cat Joe revealed. “They sure kin ask a lot o’ useless questions.”
“Reporters?” I asked. “From what paper?”
“Reckon they said they was from The Times.”
“You didn’t answer their questions?”
“Sure, I answered ’em.” Mud Cat grinned. “But when they got
through, they didn’t know no more’n they did when they started.”
“It’s only a matter of time now until The Times has the story. The case isn’t solved, and Dad will miss
his scoop and count himself lucky if he doesn’t end up in stir.”
“I guess there’s nothing we can do,” said Florence. “Shall we
start back home again?”
“No,” I said. “I have a few ideas of my own.”
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