“How?”
“Because,” said Cardona, “we have connected Double Z with Fascisti matters. That fits in. But previously, he seemed to favor the Italian government. Now, however, if your idea is correct, he opposes it.”
“Most peculiar!”
“Yes. But Double Z is eccentric, don’t forget that. I’ll tell you what I want to do, Mr. Farmington. I’m going to take notes of everything you have told me, just in case there may be a clew somewhere in it. This may be dangerous business.”
“It doesn’t worry me!” declared Farmington emphatically. “Nevertheless, we must capture this scoundrel. Make your notes, and I shall check them.”
Farmington sat down at the desk and leaned back in the large chair. Cardona began to make notations, exactly following the statements which the millionaire gave him.
While Cardona was at work, Farmington unlocked a lower drawer of the desk and opened a cigar box.
He brought out a cigar and cut off the cud. He flipped the bit of tobacco toward the ash receiver, and lighted his cigar in a methodical manner.
“I don’t recall your telling me about this morning,” remarked the detective. “You went directly to the office?”
“Yes. After an eight-o’clock breakfast.”