“That was a natural supposition,” Nick allowed, smiling a bit oddly. “The train hand had much the same impression, no doubt.”
“He appeared to, Mr. Carter.”
“He probably inferred that this officious individual had an interest in the cases, and a right to say where they should be put,” said Nick. “Never mind about that, however. Did you see the man after the car was closed and locked?”
“Only when we were leaving the yard.”
“Did he leave with you?”
“He went as far as the freight house with me. Then he took the bill of lading given me by the freight agent, and told me to wait while he got a duplicate of it for the way-bill clerk. I did so, Mr. Carter, and he returned in about five minutes and gave me the bill of lading. I supposed he was one of the yard officials, and that was the last I saw of him.”
“You returned to New York that night?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Describe the man, Mr. Gilbert,” said Nick.
“Why, sir, he was a man of medium build and about forty years old. He was quite dark, but with a rather pallid skin and——”