Yes, sir. I am very particular about that. I have a very high-grade lock on it. It is one which I am assured cannot be picked. There are only two keys to that lock. I have always been apprehensive lest some burglar break into the house, steal my revolvers, and use them in a career of crime. These revolvers are therefore kept in a locked wall compartment, concealed behind a sliding panel. He moved his head faster than was wise and paid for it. His face cramped with pain. He grumbled and then cursed.You son of a bitch. I asked you a question. What the hellre you doing here? Im not through, either, she said. So hes tending his pea patch or raising his cattle or doing whatever it is that hes decided is better than gunfighting when they come to see him. Ive been out to your farm. Weve gotten drunk on your farm. Its a very pretty place but it runs straight up and down a mountain and you couldn’t raise a cash crop on it that would pay the light bill. Okay, well check it with Vullo. I think the word youre looking for, Stone said, is totaled. Mrs. Harlans white skirt dropped back into place; she looked down at her shoes to see if she was carrying any dirt on them, stamped them on the floor in order to get rid of the dust. Here we are, Mr. Mason, she said. You could see her open the glove compartment? She inherited his considerable wealth, and she died a few months after we were married, leaving her estate to our sons trust and to me. Im a partner in an investment company that manages everything for me, and my net worth has grown substantially since then. Della Street looked up from the newspaper, started to say something, then folded the paper and waited until Drake had finished reading. You dont cut shit with me. But he was gasping as he said this. Ive been thinking about it, but I havent come up with anything. You requisition a couple of investigators from down the ladder and go through every personnel file of anyone who could be involved. Look for recent, large bank deposits, purchase of new cars, houses, etcetera. Lets see if we can pare down the list of suspects. He stopped speaking and stared at the screen, his look troubled. I… well, as to that… the sheriff said. He leapt into the air and landed on the motorcycle; a push of a button brought it to life. I was only gone a day..