The Case of the Baited Hook Read Online Free PDF Page B

would make it appear that, having received the jewelry and smuggled her out of Russia, you suddenly lost interest in her. Beyond making your monthly payments, you were, to be frank, rather lax."
    "I wasn't lax," she said. "I wrote the Home regularly asking how she was getting along, and they answered by telling me that she was a bright girl, and was doing well."
    "You've kept those letters?"
    "Yes."
    "Of course," Mason pointed out, "Tidings wasn't a party to the original fraud, and as far as Byrl is concerned, she's in no position to complain. She has inherited property because of those adoption proceedings."
    "But she never was formally adopted," Mrs. Tump said.
    "No?"
    "No."
    "How did that happen?"
    "Well, you see when they first took her, they knew that she wasn't eligible for adoption, and then, later on, when I made so much trouble, the attorneys for the Home wanted it kept entirely under cover. They were afraid that if adoption proceedings ever went through the courts, I'd find out about it and take Byrl away from them. As nearly as I can get it, their lawyer told them they could take care of Byrl's interests financially through a will, and simply let the child go on believing they were her parents. They'd gradually instilled that into her mind, making up a story to account for some of her childish memories."
    "How," Mason asked with interest, "did you get her out of Russia?"
    "That's a story I can't tell you right now. Some very influential people who were friends of mine were traveling on a passport with a child. The child died and- well, Byrl got into the United States all right. I suppose I could be prosecuted for my share in that, and the other people could, too. I've promised to protect them in every way. Byrl knows all about it now, and all about her real parents."
    "Well," Mason said, "I can force an accounting in that trust matter. I can probably make Tidings give Byrl all of the income, and perhaps a part of the principal. Then, within a year or two, the young woman can take over the entire trust fund under the terms of the trust. If Tidings has been guilty of any misconduct, we can get him removed."
    Mrs. Tump said, "That's all I want. I wanted you to get the picture. If you want to know anything about Albert Tidings, you can find out from a man who's very close to him. He's associated with him in some other trust matters-one of a board of three men who handle endowment funds for a university."
    "That," Mason said, "will be valuable. Who is this man?"
    "He's very influential and very wealthy," she said. "Incidentally, he's a great admirer of yours, Mr. Mason. He's the one who sent me to you."
    "The name?" Mason asked.
    "Robert Peltham," she said. "He's an architect. His address is 3212 Oceanic Avenue, but he has a downtown office, and you can reach him there."
    Mason carefully refrained from even glancing in Della Street's direction. "That," he said, "is fine, Mrs. Tump. I'd like to get in touch with Mr. Peltham before I decide about taking your case."
    "Why, I don't see what he has to do with it, except as he can give you some information. Why don't you take the case and then get in touch with Mr. Peltham? I'll pay you a retainer right now."
    Mason thoughtfully flicked ashes from his cigarette. After a moment, he said, "Of course, Mrs. Tump, you have no legal standing in the matter. As I have pointed out, you aren't related to Miss Gailord. Any action would have to be instituted by Miss Gailord herself."
    "I suppose that's right."
    "And," Mason said, "before I started anything, I'd have to see Miss Gailord and have her give me a direct authorization to act."
    Mrs. Tump, suddenly businesslike, glanced at a jeweled wrist watch. "At two o'clock tomorrow afternoon?" she asked. "Would that be convenient?"
    Mason said, "I'd be very glad to give her an appointment for that time."
    Mrs. Tump pulled herself out of the deep recesses of the leather chair. "I'll get busy right away," she said. "-Oh, by the way, Mr.