Lang looked toward the door just in time to see Haggerty step out. He called but the other detective ignored him.
Lang turned back to Gunner Macklin. The man’s testimony was important. Now was the time to get it.
“Down in Florida,” began Macklin glibly. “That was where I did a real job for this guy who double-crossed me.”
“What was his name?” inquired Steve Lang.
“His name?” gulped Macklin. “His name was Doc — Doc—”
The injured man pressed his hands to his chest. He tried to speak again, but his lips were soundless. He coughed suddenly, and collapsed.
The detective leaped to his feet. Some one entered the room. Lang turned and saw Jerry Haggerty.
“Hurry, Jerry,” exclaimed Lang. “He’s taken sick or something. Gee — I’m glad you came back. Where did you go?”
“Go?” echoed Haggerty. “What do you mean? Go? I just got here.” He pointed to the man in the bed.
“Do you think I can make him talk?”