The Case of the Singing Skirt Read Online Free PDF

three months at the Rowena Women's Club. We have a regular monthly meeting about ten days from now, and I was wracking my brains, trying to think of some really entertaining program that would be of universal interest.
    "This is a program that will bring everyone out. There must be dozens of women here who will want to learn about the law of community property as it relates to gambling."
    "And now," Mason said, bowing to George Anclitas and his openmouthed attorney, "I think we'll go out to the car, Della, and let our client finish dressing. She can pack her things and leave here at her convenience."
    Mason turned to Ellen Robb. "I'm quite satisfied you won't have any more trouble, Miss Robb."
    "What about this money?" she asked, pointing to the money in the suitcase.
    "Remember the amount," Mason said. "Give George credit for that as payment on account. Go to a hotel, get a room, and let me know where you are."
    "They'll arrest me the minute you leave here," she said.
    "I don't think so," Mason replied, smiling. "I think they'll treat you with every consideration."
    Mason turned so that the others could not see him and gently closed his right eye. "As it happens, Miss Robb, I am primarily interested in the better administration of justice and don't care particularly about fees. I hate to see people pushed around just because they don't have political influence. In case you want to make some settlement with George Anclitas on your own, it's quite all right with me. Just make any kind of a deal you think is fair and don't worry about my fee. There will be no charges.
    "If, on the other hand, the slightest indignity is offered you or any threats are made, don't fail to call me at my office."
    Jebley Alton said, "I don't know what you mean by a settlement. As far as Ellen Robb is concerned, she's getting out pretty easy if she keeps that money and-"
    "You get the hell back up to your office," George Anclitas interrupted, "and look up that damned decision. If that thing says what Mason says it says, there are certain things we've got to do-fast."
    "It is," Mason said, "a decision which presents an interesting problem to you people who are making a living out of gambling."
    Mason extended his arm to Della Street and together they left The Big Barn.
    Mason held the car door open for Della, then walked around and got in behind the wheel.
    The lawyer was chuckling as they drove out of Rowena.
    "Chief," Della Street said in an awed tone, "does that case of Novo versus Hotel Del Rio lay down the law that you said it did?"
    Mason smiled. "Look it up when you get back to the office, Della. The doctrine laid down may be limited in future cases, but in that case the court said very plainly that transfer by a husband of community funds in payment of a gambling debt was within the meaning of the law a transfer without the consent of the wife and without the receipt of any valuable consideration by the husband. It's quite a decision.
    "I can imagine that when some attorney delivers a talk on the law of community property to the housewives of Rowena and reads this decision, the meeting will be very, very well attended."
    "And you deliberately walked off and left Ellen Robb there so that George could make a settlement with her?"
    "I thought perhaps under the circumstances he might have a change of heart. You know, Della, I wouldn't be too surprised if he didn't also reach some sort of an understanding with Mrs. Ellis.
    "I think on the whole it's been a rather unprofitable morning for George Anclitas."
    "Well," Della Street sighed, "you can't say he's the only one. We've lost half a day from the office, given some attorney a whole lot of fees on a silver platter, making him the fair-haired boy child for the women of Rowena. We've thrown any fee in the Robb case out of the window, in addition to gasoline and mileage on the car."
    "I know," Mason said, "but think of the enjoyable morning, the sunshine, the fresh air, the scenery."
    "Particularly