Levendale lost this book in a 'bus, which he left at the corner
of Chapel Street, and that he was so concerned about the loss that he
immediately sent advertisements off to every morning newspaper in London.
The last part of that is true--the first part is not true! Mr. Levendale
did not lose his book--he did not leave it in the 'bus! I'm sorry to have
to say it--but all that is invention on his part--why, I don't know."
Purdie had listened to this with a growing feeling of uneasiness and
suspicion. The clouds centring round Levendale were certainly thickening.
"Now, just tell me--how do you know all this?" he asked. "Rely on me--to
the full!"
"I'll tell you," replied Elsie, readily. "Because, about four o'clock on
the afternoon of the old man's death, I happened to be at the corner of
Chapel Street. I saw Mr. Levendale get out of the 'bus. He did not see me.
He crossed Edgware Road and walked rapidly down Praed Street. And--he was
carrying that book in his hand!"
"You're sure it was that book?" asked Purdie.
"According to the description given in this account and in the
advertisement--yes," she answered.
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