But even as he spoke Frank Hardy scanned the sheet of newspaper his brother held towards him. There, in glaring headlines, were the words
BARTON BIXBY SHOT DOWN
Former Naval Officer Kills Old Friend
With a Shotgun
Police Follow Clues in Vain
There followed a long account of a killing that had taken place in Richmond three weeks before. A certain Lieutenant Patwick had murdered a former friend who had spoken ill of him at a club. Patwick had then fled to parts unknown. The lieutenant was said to be of a nervous, high-strung temperament.
"Gosh! he may not be Todham Todd after all," remarked Frank. "He may be this Lieutenant Patwick simply trying to conceal his true identity."
"Or else gone crazy because of his crime," added Joe.
There were several other clippings concerning the crime. Evidently the perpetrator had outwitted both police and detectives.
"We'll have to look into this," said Frank soberly.
"You bet. For all we know—"
Joe stopped speaking and thrust all the clippings behind him. A shadow had darkened the mouth of the cave.
"Who is in there?" an angry voice bellowed.