“That is possible. But it is not in keeping with Double Z’s policy. An interrupted statement. Why was Joel Caulkins not permitted to complete it?”
“Because he was revealing Double Z’s identity.”
“You believe Double Z told him that?”
“Hm-m-m,” said Mann. He was staring straight ahead at the back of the driver, almost oblivious to the man beside him. “That doesn’t sound logical, does it? I should think Double Z would have given Caulkins wrong information, and then let him go through with it—”
“Why did Caulkins mention Judge Harvey Tolland before he spoke of Double Z?” came the questioning whisper.
“I don’t know,” admitted Mann.
“Could he have considered Tolland of greater importance at the moment?”
A gasp of sudden understanding came from Mann. His methodical mind was beginning to grasp the situation. He saw a new light, but even yet he was still confused.
“Let us presume,” came the voice, “that Double Z knew nothing whatever of Joel Caulkins.”
“Then why did Caulkins go there?”