’Well, what have you got?” Adams asked, opening his eyes. Donovan was having to make an effort to suppress his excitement.

“A description of a guy who could have done it,” he said. “He was seen leaving the building around two o’clock and he was in a hurry.”

“Most guys would be in a hurry to leave this joint,” Adams said.

“I’ve checked back. None of the girls had a guy with them last night answering this one’s description. That must mean he came to see Carson. Doc say when she died?”

“Around half-past one.”

“Then he could have done it.”

“Doesn’t follow. He might have come up here, found her dead, and got out in a hurry.”

A soft buzzing noise made both men look up. The sound came from the telephone bell. Donovan went over to the bell and stared at it.

“Look at this: someone’s deadened the bell.”

Adams picked up the receiver.