“That may have been only a blind,” Nick replied. “She may have feared that she already was being watched, or that the clerk might be questioned later. Be that as it may, we’ll lose no time in seeking tangible proof of my suspicions. While Chick is hunting up the unknown man, Patsy, you see what you can learn about Ralph Sheldon and Philip Floyd.”
“I’ve got you, chief.”
“If the former visits Kate Crandall, as she directed, we may be lucky enough to clinch the case and round up the entire gang this very evening,” Nick added, rising abruptly. “I’ll tackle Kate Crandall personally. I’ll find out in short order what she knows about Cyrus Darling.”
“That’s the stuff, chief,” cried Patsy.
“We’ll be off at once. Danny is still waiting. We can make the Ashburton Chambers in twenty minutes.”
CHAPTER V.
THE WOMAN IN THE CASE.
Nick Carter entered the Ashburton Chambers soon after eight o’clock that evening. He did not send up his card to Kate Crandall. He sauntered in and bought some cigars off a girl clerk in charge of the counter. While lighting one, he inquired carelessly:
“Have you seen Ralph Sheldon here this evening?”
“Yes, sir,” said the girl. “He came in half an hour ago. I saw him talking with the clerk. I guess he went up to his suite.”
“To the woman’s suite,” thought Nick, recalling what Danny had reported. Then, indifferently: “I heard to-day that Mr. Sheldon is living here.”