“Yes,” replied the physician.
He went to the desk and began examining some papers that had been taken from the safe. Suddenly he wheeled and looked at Paget. The clubman was standing at the left. Lukens acted so quickly that he surprised him.
Paget had been staring at the papers, Lukens thought. The man’s gaze turned hurriedly, but too late to escape the doctor’s notice.
“I must be going,” drawled Paget. “I shall return later, doctor. I thought that you might find something concerning my business with Mister Marchand. Perhaps by this evening—”
“Drop in then, if you wish,” said Lukens brusquely. He watched Paget suspiciously as the man left the room. The physician made no comment to Willis, who was busy at the safe.
The secretary had removed everything from Marchand’s safe and closet. Doctor Lukens was surprised at the amount of work he had accomplished. Every small article had apparently been gone over while Paget had been present.
The doctor set to work to examine Marchand’s effects. He labored slowly and found the job tedious.
There was very little of interest.
OSCAR served dinner at six o’clock, before Doctor Lukens had completed his examination. The serving man requested an evening off, and Lukens granted it.
Immediately after dinner the doctor and the secretary went back to work. The final examination was completed. Willis prepared to replace everything where he had found it. He was interrupted by the doorbell.