"So he says," said Jasher significantly.
"And so Mrs. Fane says," said Bocaros quickly. "Better look for the young man with the pointed beard."
"The police have looked everywhere and he has not been found," said Arnold calmly, "and I don't think he will be found."
The professor was about to speak when Jasher pulled him to the door. When there he spoke. "By the way, Mr. Calvert, did you ever see Mr. Brand?" he asked.
"No. I never did."
"Did you ever see his portrait?"
"No"--but this time Calvert's denial was not so emphatic--"I didn't."
Jasher nodded. "That's all right," said he. "I'll come back in a few days and tell you about the latch-key."
When the two withdrew, Calvert sat down in an armchair and buried his face in his hands. His head was whirling, and his mind was much troubled. So buried was he in his reflections that he did not hear the door open. He was not conscious that any one was in the room till a hand was laid on his shoulders. With a start he sprang to his feet. He looked and saw Laura Mason.