Professor Gorakski flicked the dust from the "figure eight" bandage on the slim ankle of Mrs. Hirsh, who, as Lisa Listou, had gained international fame as a dancer in Europe. He observed the dainty pink slippers beside the couch, then began to unravel the bandage.
"Oh! Please, no!" gasped the beautiful dancer. "It hurts so much!" He found her slight accent charming.
"Very well. You say Dr. Barton was in the house when you sprained your ankle and that he bandaged it?"
"Yes, Professor."
"Were you carried here to the couch?" he queried.
"But, yes, the pain is so bad. The doctor told me to remain here until he return. He is our house guest, but received an urgent call and had to leave. He will be back in an hour."
"Of course you obeyed him?"
"Certainement!"
"She is beautiful," mused Gorakski.
"What's the mystery of the attic?" he suddenly demanded, having previously thoroughly search the entire palatial house in an effort to locate the fabulously valuable diamond pendant she had reported missing shortly before her accident.
"What you mean?" Lisa lifted her beautiful face from the pillow.
"Nothing much," Gorakski replied, "but it doesn't seem to be in keeping with the cleanliness of the rest of the house."
"My 'usband--he will return in 'alf an hour--forbid any one to enter it. He never tell me why. How you get in?"
"Broke down the door--a very peculiar one. I'm sorry you've lied to me, but the fact that you have indicates you're involved in the theft of your own pendant. Understand?"
WHY DID GORAKSKI MAKE THIS STATEMENT?