CHAPTER X

THE YELLOW PENCIL (_Friday, July 13; 2.30 p. m._) Markham slowly lighted a fresh cigar and sat down heavily on one of the folding chairs near the inlaid coffer, facing Vance. “The situation is beginning to look serious—and complex,” he said, with a weary sigh. “More serious than you think,” Vance returned. “And far more complex. . . . I assure you, Markham, that this murder is one of the most astounding and subtle criminal plots you have ever been faced with. Superficially it appears simple and …