EPILOGUE
On a sparkling clear day, the Talavera steamed across New York Bay, passengers crowding the rails. Up on the boat-deck, Mr. Arbuckle eagerly pointed out the sights to Daisy and Alec. Ahead towered the Statue of Liberty and the skyscrapers of Manhattan.
Daisy’s attention wandered from the list of buildings with the number of floors for each.
Looking down at the swarms of people on the promenade deck, she caught sight of Gotobed and Miss Oliphant.
Gotobed had on his caped greatcoat, but he had given his fore-and-aft cap to Denton, to whom it had caused so much trouble.
Daisy deplored the bowler hat he now wore.
“I’m so glad he has the witch to console him,” she said.
“What’s that, Mrs. Fletcher?” Arbuckle followed her gaze.
“Oh, Gotobed and Miss Oliphant. Waal now, I guess she’s the sort of lady he ought to have had his eye on right from the start, a real nice lady.
He’s sweet on her, all right. I’m mighty glad you were clever enough to figure out what really happened, Fletcher, so he can start again without suspicion of murder hanging over him.
If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go down and have a word. ”
He went off. Leaning on the rail, Daisy said, “He’s right, your theory was brilliant, darling. Everyone is quite sure you’re right.”
“I’m not.” Alec sighed. “It’s the most likely explanation I could come up with.
It’s quite possible that Wanda committed suicide.
It’s possible Miss Oliphant killed her. It’s possible that Gotobed killed her, or all three victims, though Denton’s experience makes me very nearly certain they were trying to kill him, so it could be considered self-defence. ”
“But nothing can be proved,” Daisy reminded him.
“No, and that’s why it’s best for all concerned if my story stands. Great Scott, Daisy, I’m just afraid I’m beginning to absorb your cavalier attitude towards the law!”