"I have still twenty-eight days in which to complete my case," said Sturgis.
"True," replied Murdock. "Well, I wish you luck. If I can render you any assistance in your investigations, I hope you will call upon me. In the cause of science I would willingly jeopardize my stakes. For instance, if you need to consult any works of reference, my library is at your disposal. I am told that, at least on the subjects in which you are interested, it is quite complete."
He observed the reporter narrowly, as if to mark the effect of his words.
"It is," replied Sturgis, after an almost imperceptible hesitation; "I have already admired it."
"Indeed?" said Murdock, arching his brows in mild surprise.
"Yes; I stepped into the library for a few minutes while I was waiting for you."
"Ah! yes; I see."
Murdock gave the reporter another searching look. Then he leant back in his easy chair with half-closed eyes and silently puffed away at his cigar for a few minutes.
Had Sturgis been able to read the sinister thoughts which were passing through the mind of this impassive man as he sat apparently in lazy enjoyment of his fragrant Havana, it is probable that he might have lost some of the interest which he seemed suddenly to have developed in the typewriter. But he was busy with his own train of thought and therefore was not paying any particular attention to Murdock.
Presently the chemist spoke again.