e, had a little pistol her handbag&ot;

&ot;what kd?&ot;

&ot;it was a very sall one, sir, with a pearl handle a kd of toy&ot; race stared

&ot;devil take this case,&ot; he uttered &ot;i thought wed got her cleared of spicion, and now - does every girl on this blkg boat carry around pearl-handled toy pistols?&ot;

he shot a estion at the stewardess &ot;did 射 show any feelg over your fdg it?&ot;

the woan shook her head &ot;i dont thk 射 noticed i had y back turned whilst i was gog through the handbag&ot;

&ot;still, 射 t have known youd e across it oh, well, it beats what about the aid?&ot;

&ot;weve looked all over the boat, sir we cant fd her anywhere&ot;

&ot;whats this?&ot; asked sion

&ot;rs doyles aid - louise bourt 射s disappeared&ot;

&ot;disappeared?&ot;

race said thoughtfully: &ot;射 ight have stolen the pearls 射 is the one pern who had aple opportunity to t a replica ade&ot;

&ot;and then, when 射 found a search was beg stituted, 射 threw herself overboard?&ot; sugsted sion

&ot;nonsense,&ot; replied race, irritably &ot;a woan cant throw herself overboard broad daylight, fro a boat like this, without body realizg the fact 射s bound to be where on board&ot; he addressed the stewardess once ore &ot;when was 射 last seen?&ot;

&ot;about half an hour before the bell went for nch, sir&ot;

&ot;well have a look at her cab anyway,&ot; said race &ot;that ay tell thg&ot; he led the way to