... And no outsiders--nobody but _us_--had a legitimate excuse
for entering that closet.... Not even Dexter Sprague. It's one of his
affectations not to wear a hat--"
"Is it?" Dundee pounced. "You're sure he wore no hat that afternoon? Did
you notice him when he left after I had dismissed you all?"
"Yes," Penny acknowledged honestly. "I paid attention to him, because I
was hating him so. I believed then that he was the murderer, and I was
furious with you and Captain Strawn for not arresting him.... He was
the first to leave--just walked straight out; wouldn't even stop to talk
with Janet Raymond, who was trying to get a word with him. I saw him
start toward Sheridan Road--walking. He had no car, you know."
"Did you observe the others?" Dundee demanded eagerly. "Do you know who
went _alone_ to the guest closet?"
Penny shook her head. "Everybody was milling around in the hall, and I
paid no attention. Lois said she would drive me home, and then I went in
to ask you to let me stay behind with you--"
"I remember.... Listen, Penny! I'm going to tell you something else that
nobody knows yet but Sanderson, Lydia and me. I don't have to ask you
not to tell any of your friends. You know well enough that anything you
learn from either Sanderson or me is strictly confidential.
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