... Oh, of course! I didn't go over during 1917 and
1918, on account of the war, you know, but the big Paris designers
managed to send us a limited number of very good models, and this must
have been one of them. Otherwise, I'd remember buying it.... If you'll
excuse me a moment----"
When she returned about ten minutes later, Miss Thomas brought him a
pencilled memorandum. "This Pierre model was imported in the summer of
1917, several months in advance of the winter season, of course. Only
five copies were made--in different colors and materials, naturally,
since we make a point of exclusiveness. The royal blue velvet copy was
sold to Juanita Leigh in January, 1918. I am sorry I cannot give you the
exact day of the month, but our records show the month only. I took the
liberty of showing a picture of the dress to the only saleswoman in the
department who has been with us that long, but she cannot remember the
sale. Twelve years is a long time, you know."
"Indeed it is," Dundee agreed regretfully. "You have been immensely
helpful, however, Miss Thomas, and I thank you with all my heart."
"If you could just tell _me_--confidentially, of course," Miss Thomas
whispered, "what sort of clue this dress is--"
"I don't know, myself!" the detective admitted.
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