AFFAIR OF THE QUICK DEDUCTION

Detective-Sergeant Tom Conroy’s cherubic expression of satisfaction leaped to one of blazing wrath—and humiliation—as he listened in his hotel room to the dictagraph he had planted in the adjoining suite. Notorious but never-convicted jewel thief Derek Jason was talking to his brilliant wife, Lily Lomez.

“And so, my sweet, as the gendarmes are showing faint traces of intelligence we must separate—temporarily.”

“But what,” asked Lily, “about the Brandon job?”

“It will go through as planned. I won’t decide for several days where and when, but I’ll let you know in time to arrange our getaway.”

Lily’s voice was puzzled. “But how shall I know, when you say we mustn’t meet, wire, telephone or telegraph each other?”

“That,” laughed Derek, “is what our detective friend in the next room would give his bow-legged mother-in-law away to know! Here—read this, then I’ll burn it.”

* * * *

“We’ve tailed them every minute, Professor,” Sergeant Conroy continued. “We’ve got a tap on both their phones, and mail and wires of each are covered. They have not seen each other but I’m positive Jason’s going to pull the Brandon job and Lily arrange the getaway. How are we going to head them off?”

Fordney was silent for several minutes. Finally, “Do they both bank at the same place?”

“Yes. First National. Funny thing too. Jason makes a deposit every morning, and in the afternoon Lily makes a withdrawal.”

The criminologist bustled out of his chair. “Come along, Sergeant! Perhaps we’ll not be too late to forestall the clever Jason!”

Can you deduce Jason’s and Lily’s means of daily communication? Turn page for solution.