The Four Johns by Ellery Queen Read Free Book Online Page A

convertible.
    Mervyn walked to the street and looked up and down. No convertible in sight.
    â€œDid you lend it to anyone?” asked John Boce suspiciously.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWhen was the last time you saw it?”
    â€œI don’t remember exactly. Thursday or Friday, I suppose.”
    â€œBetter report it stolen.”
    â€œWho’d steal a beat-up old crock like that?”
    â€œThis,” said Boce in a measured voice, “is the car you’ve been trying to sell me.”
    Mervyn ignored him. “Whoever took it must have known about the trick ignition switch.”
    â€œWhich of your friends would be most likely to steal your car?”
    â€œAny of them. All of them.”
    They returned to Mervyn’s apartment. Mervyn started the coffeepot. While he waited, he went to the telephone and called several of his acquaintances. No one had seen the convertible.
    â€œThis is a fine how-de-do,” Boce said, with a suspicious glance at Mervyn. “Unless you’re putting me on.”
    â€œNo,” Mervyn answered wearily. “You conned me fair and square. I’d resigned myself.”
    â€œCould Mary Hazelwood have taken it?”
    â€œI’d hardly think so.”
    â€œIt’s possible. She knew about the ignition switch.”
    â€œShe wouldn’t have taken it without telling me. It’s been stolen.” Mervyn took up the telephone, called the State Highway Patrol and reported the loss. “That’s that.”
    The accountant poured himself some coffee. “It’s a loss I feel as deeply as you.”
    â€œEven deeper, since you weren’t troubled by maintenance costs.”
    â€œCome now, Mervyn. As you know, I was on the point of buying the car.”
    â€œI wish we’d completed the transaction last week.”
    Boce shook his head. “Mervyn, this is a quality in you I can’t admire. Think big, man! What else is there in life but bringing happiness to others?”
    â€œIt’s great, I agree. If others bring happiness to me. Instead, they steal my car.”
    â€œYou’ll get it back. In the meantime I’ve got this ravishing creature waiting, and no wheels.”
    â€œIf it’s Harriet, why not use Harriet’s car?”
    â€œIt’s not Harriet and I don’t dare borrow her car. Not any more. I used my sick uncle in San Francisco once too often. She telephoned and found he’d gone to Las Vegas for the weekend. Something I couldn’t explain. So here I am, relying on you.”
    â€œIn other words, you want the Volkswagen.”
    â€œI don’t see how you can say no under the circumstances.”
    â€œIt’s hard, I agree,” said Mervyn. “I don’t have a leg to stand on, except that I want to use it myself.”
    â€œI thought you were working on your thesis.”
    In the end, protesting and complaining, Mervyn tossed over the keys. John Boce jingled them with satisfaction. Mervyn muttered, “I must still be half asleep. How about leaving me a gallon or two of gas?”
    The big man heaved himself to his feet. “Say no more. John Boce’s generosity is proverbial.”
    At nine o’clock on the morning of June eighteenth, Mervyn’s telephone rang.
    â€œHello.”
    â€œThis is Sergeant Erickson, State Highway Patrol. Mr. Mervyn Gray, please.”
    â€œI’m Mervyn Gray.”
    â€œMr. Gray, we’ve found your Chevrolet convertible.”
    â€œIn one piece?”
    â€œApparently. Hasn’t been stripped, anyway. Somebody must have taken a joy ride. It turned up on the outskirts of Madera.”
    â€œMadera?”
    â€œThat’s right. Just this side of Fresno.”
    â€œThat’s a hundred and fifty miles!”
    â€œYou’re lucky it wasn’t San Diego.”
    â€œI guess you’re right. What do I do now?”
    â€œYou can pick it up any time. We’ve towed it to the Sterling Garage in