The two men joined Cardona. The detective explained why he was waiting. It was nearing ten o’clock, the time when the mail would be collected.
Cardona watched the mail box while he talked with Roger Biscayne. The professor stated that he expected certain documents that might throw some light on the death of Silas Harshaw.
He agreed with Cardona, however, that the search of the apartment was the most important step.
“Let’s go up,” suggested the detective, with a gesture of impatience.
He turned toward the elevator. At that moment, the clerk at the desk announced a phone call for Professor Arthur Biscayne.
“Who is it?” asked Biscayne.
“The name sounded like Williams,” replied the clerk.
Biscayne took the telephone. His voice, usually calm, became excited.
“Arthur!” he exclaimed. “What! On your desk! It couldn’t—”
His voice broke off. His face was pale. Biscayne turned toward Cardona and motioned with the telephone.