The detectives searched the cellar.
"Our man is not here, at any rate," said the leader, when at last he had returned to the foot of the stairs; "perhaps he'll try to give us the slip by way of the roof. Come along, Jim; let's go upstairs now. Hello! what are you doing there, Mr. Sturgis? Think you'll find him in one of those bottles?"
The reporter appeared to be closely inspecting the chemicals on the narrow shelves.
"Who knows?" he replied coolly, continuing his examination.
The detective bit his lip and looked the unpleasant things he thought it best not to say.
"Well, Jim and I will take a look upstairs while you are busy here."
And the two men went up the dark stairway, Sprague remaining behind with the reporter.
"None so blind as those that won't see," said the latter, sententiously.
At the same time he placed his hand upon one of the shelves and gave it a lateral push. It responded slightly, and the entire shelving, with the door which it concealed, opened outward.
"I thought so," continued the reporter; "this looks as if it might lead somewhere. Will you come, Sprague?"