"Would it be asking too much if I suggested I need a little money?" he inquired. "The Robinsons pay with hot air."
"I can let you have twenty-five," said Garrison, pulling out his rapidly diminishing roll. "That do?"
"Fine," said Tuttle, receiving the bills. "When shall I——"
A messenger boy came plunging in at the door without the slightest formality.
"Telegram for Garrison," he said. "Sign here."
"Wait half a minute, Tuttle," said Garrison, tearing open the envelope, as the boy was departing, and he read the wire almost at a glance.
It was dated from Branchville.
Come up here as soon as possible. Important.
JAMES PIKE.
For a moment Garrison failed to remember the personality of James Pike. Then it came with a flash—the coroner! Aware at once that the tale of possible murder in the Hardy case had been spread and discussed all over the State, he realized that Pike, and others who had been concerned when John Hardy's body was found in their jurisdiction, might have come upon new material.