“This,” he said, tapping the letter in his hand, “is from Mr. Trevor, tendering me his resignation as my Attorney General on the ground of ill health.”
CHAPTER XI
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
A loud rat-a-tat-tat startled Dick as he dressed in his room that night. On opening the door, he was much surprised to find General Long standing on the threshold.
“Didn’t expect to see me, did you?” asked Long, smiling at Dick’s amazement. “Your very charming landlady told me I might come right up. By Jove! she has fixed you up in comfort,” and he looked enviously around Dick’s pleasant, home-like room. “This is something like,” sinking luxuriously into a huge lounging chair.
“It’s mighty good of you to look me up so soon, Chester. Sorry I can’t spend the evening with you, but I must hurry along as soon as I am fully dressed,” struggling to tie his cravat as he spoke.
“Don’t mind me. I only dropped in to ask what you did to Tom Murray; he’s in the devil of a flutter for fear he betrayed official secrets.”
“Tom need not worry; he won’t get into trouble. Say, old man, I simply must consult you; but first promise by all that you hold sacred you won’t breathe a word of what I’m telling you.”
“I swear.” Long’s mouth closed like a steel trap. When he spoke in that tone Dick knew he meant what he said.
“The Secretary of State asked me to keep these facts from becoming public; but I know you can be relied on to be ‘mum.’” Dick spoke slowly, weighing each word. “I must have your advice, Chester. Since I saw you last I have received incontestable proof that Trevor did see his wife on his return from the banquet that night, although he testified to the contrary.”
Long whistled. “You think then that he had a hand in the murder?” he asked doubtfully.