Then Darrell, passing on, lost sight of him. The detective crossed the street beyond, and came on down, intending to pass the house again.
He changed his mind.
When just opposite, looking up he saw that fortune beckoned him.
The door was ajar.
Joe had been a trifle careless, and made a mistake when he thought he closed the door.
Mr. Darrell was a man quick to make up his mind, and he instantly saw a chance here to further his plans.
Without hesitating an instant he advanced up the steps, stood upon the door-step, and seemed to glance around carelessly, when in reality he was listening to catch any sound that might come from the interior.
Another moment and he had entered.
Perhaps some one saw him, but he had put on an air of proprietorship such as Joe wore, and curious eyes must have simply reached the conclusion that his coming was but another link in the chain of mystery surrounding the house.