“To-morrow you can do so, Joe—to-day you are in poor condition for anything. Take your mind off everything that excites it. I wish you would stay at home to-day and nurse your headache.’
“I professed to have business of unusual importance down town, and shortly after left the house for my office.
“Now, Eric, give me your honest opinion—my mind is hardly in a fit condition to see and judge for myself.”
The detective had listened intently.
He could grasp the threads and draw them into one compact cord.
The issue was before him.
“Joe, it is beyond all question that her secret lies in that trunk—if we knew what it contains, nothing more would be needed.”
“Yes, I suppose so,” rather wearily.
“From the tenor of the letter Prescott received I am inclined to believe some one is about to run away with him, or he with her, rather.”
Joe groaned dismally.