“They took him and the suit to the nearest police station, and got in touch with me.
“I’ve just come from there, Burke. There’s a piece ripped out of that suit matches this to a dot!”
Burke could see elation gleaming in Cardona’s eyes. He knew that there was more to come.
“They’re still watching the house,” said Cardona. “I’ve quizzed the young fellow that they pinched. He wouldn’t talk until he saw me. Then he began to let a lot off his mind.
“He’s Glendenning’s secretary. His name is Elder Larkin. Been working for the old man for several years. He’s been worried because of things that were going on around the place. Glendenning sent him out last night, he says. When he came back, the old man wasn’t there.
“Came in afterward. Larkin noticed he acted funny. This morning the old man gave him the suit, and told him to have it repaired right away. Said it had been torn in the door of a taxicab.
“Larkin was to go downtown. Not expected back until one o’clock. So I told the boys to hold the pinch until I joined them. I came down here hotfoot, leaving Williamson watching the house.
“We’ve got the key to the front door. Larkin gave it to us. That secretary’s going to be valuable.
“Inspector Klein is to meet me here. He’s going up to the place with me. We’re timing the entrance close to one o’clock, so, if there’s any noise, the old man will think it’s Larkin coming in.
“We’ve got the place covered like a blanket. And when I come in here, all keen, and set to go, what do I run into? A bunch of newspaper punks wanting to know what’s the matter with me! They’ll find out. You’re the only real guy in the crew, Burke.”