Elk shook his head.
“I can’t give you any information on the matter,” he said.
“Can I see him?”
“You can’t even see him,” said Elk. “He has slept well, and sends his love to all kind friends.”
Mr. Hagn seemed distressed.
“Is it possible to discover where he put the key of the coal cellar?” he urged. “This is rather important to me. This man usually keeps it.”
The detective hesitated.
“I can find out,” he said, and, leaving Mr. Hagn under the watchful eyes of his secretary, he crossed the yard to the cells where the Russian was held.
Litnov rose from his plank bed as the cell door opened.
“Friend of yours called,” said Elk. “Wants to know where you put the key of the coal cellar.”