He rushed through the revolving door, and reached the sidewalk. He stared in both directions along the lighted street.
There was not a soul in sight. Cardona turned to the detective.
“What do you mean?” he questioned. “You say I came outside? Just now?”
“Yes,” replied the man. “I thought it was you — it sounded like your voice. I heard you say: ‘Hurry in! Hurry! We need you!’ Then I came in through the door.”
“O.K., get going!” ordered Cardona. “Scour the place! Look everywhere! Don’t let that fellow get away!”
LEAVING his subordinates to take up the hopeless search, Cardona went back into the lobby. There he encountered the patrolmen who had been with Mayhew.
They had come down the stairway. Cardona dispatched them to join in the search. Moodily, he rode up in the elevator.
He found the plainclothes man standing in the study near the window. The fellow had scarcely recovered from the swift and powerful attack which had overcome him.
The lights were on, and Cardona surveyed the body of the slain man. He noted how similar its position was to that of Silas Harshaw. Two men killed — on the same spot!
Cardona went to the window, and called down to the courtyard. Two of his men were on duty there.