"That the police would very much like to know."
Again the little eyes shifted to Mr. Converse.
"An officer?" inquired Slade.
The Captain nodded. Slade's brusque manner returned; dropping his eyes to his work once more, he said, with an air of finality:
"I am sorry, gentlemen, I can tell you nothing. This is my first intelligence that a crime had been committed. Good-night. Howard Lynden, close the door tightly after you."
When the two were once more in the hall the Captain said, "Mr. Slade developed a mighty sudden interest."
"Yes," returned his companion; "a queer bird—irascible, and touchy about his deafness. His father was an overseer, you know," as though this fully accounted for Mr. Slade's undesirable qualities. "But his curiosity got the better of him that time; he couldn't let us go without finding out more."
"He and I would have some difficulty in getting along together without a sign language," remarked Mr. Converse, dryly.
The two were near the foot of the stairs, but they were not destined to leave the building without another interruption. A man came precipitately, though noiselessly, in at the entrance, who, when he observed they were descending, stopped short and awaited their approach at the foot of the stairs. He was one of the two men who had followed them from headquarters, and he now, after touching his hat respectfully to Mr. Converse, looked askance at Lynden. The Captain, with a nod of apology to the young man, drew the newcomer to one side.
"Well, Adams?" said he.