The Dutch Shoe Mystery

“Careful quiz about Hendrik Doorn. Protection as promised to Doorn by story that D. was watched, suspicious movements led to search of his private apartment in Doorn house and nothing incriminating found except a memo hinting at dealings with Cudahy. C. seemed to accept this fictitious story absolutely. Questioned about these ‘dealings.’ C. admitted lending huge sums of money to D. at 6 % interest with bonus, payable when D. came into his share of the Doorn estate. Exhibited bravado, said he himself has nothing to fear or conceal in this matter since it was above-board and in no way criminal. Q. by Inspector Queen: ‘You were never tempted, eh Mike, to hurry Mrs. Doorn’s end a bit in order to collect your money sooner?’ A. by Cudahy: ‘Inspector, is that nice? You know I wouldn’t do a thing like that.’ Under pressure also said that he has been urging Hendrik Doorn for payment, and that he would not be surprised if D. knew more about murder of his sister than he professes. Q. by Inspector Queen: ‘How about Little Willie, Snapper and Joe Gecko? Come clean now, Mike!’ A. by Cudahy: ‘You got ’em in the can, ain’t you? They didn’t have anything to do with this bump-off, Inspector. They were here to guard me while I couldn’t guard myself. You ain’t got a thing on them.’ Q. by Inspector Queen: ‘Now you’ll be watching out for the health of Doorn, Mike — won’t you?’ A. by Cudahy: ‘He’s as safe as a newborn babe. Think I want to lose my hundred and ten grand? Nothin’ doing!’

“CONCLUSION: Cudahy has perfect alibi. Was under ether while crime was being committed. No evidence on which to base conviction of Joe Gecko, Snapper, Little Willie, except their physical presence in Hospital at time of murder. No case at all in this direction.”