Chapter 11

“First of all,” he said briskly, “you must get rid of this notion that you are to blame for Nick Peters’ death. That is merely weak-minded. Suppose you had gone directly to his store what would have happened? They would expect you to go there direct. They were certainly laying for you. They would have got you and Peters both, and would have recovered the brass ball into the bargain.” Fin began to feel better. “Why did they kill Nick before he got the brass ball back?” he asked helplessly. “To prevent him from telli…