“Go on,” said Nick.
“When at dinner, about half past six, however, he told Mrs. Soule that she need not leave a light for him, as he might be out unusually late. He said not a word concerning his mission or designs. He left the rectory about half past eight, as I have said, taking both suit cases.”
“Containing some of his garments, I suppose?”
“On the contrary, Mr. Carter, both suit cases were—empty.”
“Empty!” echoed Nick, with more thoughtful gaze. “That indicates that he expected to bring back something in them?”
“Presumably.”
“How do you know they were empty?”
“Mrs. Soule had occasion to move one of them just before Mr. Maybrick departed,” Miss Farley explained. “She knew by its weight that it must be empty. She thought it strange that he had packed nothing in it, and she then lifted the other. That was empty, also, and Mr. Maybrick did not touch them again until he left the house.”
“H’m, I see!” Nick said quietly. “Anything more?”
“Not until this morning,” replied Miss Farley. “Mrs. Soule became anxious about nine o’clock, and she telephoned to me, asking me whether I knew why Mr. Maybrick was absent. I did not, of course, and, upon learning of the circumstances, I at once went to the rectory. I found Mr. Maybrick’s desk open, and I ventured to search for a letter, or something that might explain his absence.”