“Well, it must soon come out, anyway. It is Mr. Tracy’s door, isn’t it, Zizi?”
“Yes.”
“Bless my soul!” cried the Professor, “Tracy! Why, he’s a minister!”
“No,” and Penny Wise shook his head, “Mr. Tracy is not a minister and never was. On the contrary, he’s about as far removed from piety of any sort, as any man on God’s green earth!”
“What are you saying?” cried Eve Carnforth, coming swiftly toward them. “Mr. Tracy not a minister!”
“No;” repeated Wise, “John Tracy is a notorious criminal, known as Smug Johnny by his friends, and also by the police. I have just had returns from some inquiries I sent to Chicago, and I learn that this double-dyed villain is wanted on several counts, but never before has he been accused of murder.”
“And did he kill Mr. Bruce and Vernie?” cried Eve, her hands clenched in excitement and her long eyes narrowed with fear.
“He did, I am positive. We have yet to prove it, but I have evidence enough——”
“Where is he?” said Hardwick, abruptly.
“Under strict surveillance,” returned Wise. “My men are at his heels day and night. He can’t get away.”