It was clear that he must learn what had happened in his absence. He wanted to get hold of Shelby and ask about Blair. He wanted to go right over to Blair's place—but if—if it had occurred two months ago there was small use going there now.
Also, he must preserve his incognito for the present, at least. His return would be blazoned in the papers as soon as it was known, and the effect on his father's reputation would be most disastrous.
He must learn more facts—the facts he had already discovered were so amazing, what else might not be in store for him?
Concentrating on the subject of Blair's death he concluded his best course would be to get a file of newspapers covering the past two months and read about it.
In a big newspaper office he accomplished this, and spent the rest of the afternoon reading up the case.
Of late the subject was not a principal one in the papers.
McClellan Thorpe was in prison, awaiting his trial, and the police, while still on the job, were not over aggressive.
Pennington Wise was not mentioned, so Peter had no means of knowing that that astute person was connected with the matter.
But the news of Thorpe's arrest struck Peter a new blow. While not as chummy with Thorpe as with Shelby and Blair, Peter had always liked him and found it difficult to believe him guilty of Blair's death.
Back to his hotel went the man registered as John Harrison, and, going to the restaurant for dinner, he ate and enjoyed a hearty meal.