The French Powder Mystery — 8

The Watcher

    The door opened and Sergeant Velie entered, accompanied by a steady-eyed man dressed in black. This newcomer saluted the Inspector respectfully and stood waiting.
    "This is Robert Jones, Inspector," said Velie in his deep clipped tones. "Attached to the store force, and I'll vouch for him personally. Jones was the man called by Mr. Weaver this morning to stand outside the apartment door during the directors' meeting."
    "How about it, Jones?" asked Inspector Queen.
    "I was ordered to Mr. French's apartment this morning at eleven," replied the store detective. "I was told to stand guard outside and see that no one disturbed the meeting. According to my instructions...."
    "And where did your instructions come from?"
    "I understood that Mr. Weaver had 'phoned, sir," replied Jones. The Inspector looked at Weaver, who nodded, and then motioned the man to continue.
    "According to my instructions," said Jones, "I strolled about outside the apartment without interrupting the meeting. I was in the sixth floor corridor near the apartment until about twelve-fifteen. At that time the door opened and Mr. French, the other directors and Mr. Weaver ran out and took the elevator, going downstairs. They all seemed excited...."
    "Did you know why Mr. French, Mr. Weaver and the others ran out of the apartment that way?"
    "No, sir. As I said, they seemed excited and paid no attention to me. I didn't hear about Mrs. French being dead until one of the boys dropped by about a half-hour later with the news."
    "Did the directors close the door when they left the apartment?"
    "The door closed by itself—swung shut."
    "So you didn't enter the apartment?"
    "No, sir!"
    "Did any one come up to the apartment while you stood guard this morning?"
    "Not a soul, Inspector. And after the directors left, there was no one except the chap I told you about, who merely spilled his story and went right down again. I've been on duty until five minutes ago, when Sergeant Velie had two of his own men relieve me."
    The Inspector mused. "And you're certain no one went into the apartment, Jones? It may be quite important."
    "Dead certain, Inspector," replied Jones clearly. "The reason I stayed on after the directors left was because I didn't know exactly what to do under the circumstances, and I've always found it a safe bet to stand pat when something unusual happens."
    "Good enough, Jones!" said the Inspector. "That's all."
    Jones saluted, went up to Crouther and asked what he was to do. The head store detective, his chest held high, detailed him to help handle the crowds in the store. And Jones departed.