He glanced at one on the library table and Patsy hastened to obey, presently reporting that he could get no communication from the local exchange.
“The instrument has been put out of commission,” said Nick.
“That’s about the size of it,” nodded Patsy.
“It was done to prevent the Ringolds from calling up Mrs. Carrington to inquire concerning her husband’s alleged illness, or to verify the postponement, in case of any suspicion.”
“Right again, chief, for a hundred.”
“It’s ten to one that the wires have been cut outside where they enter the house,” Nick added. “We’ll have a look at them presently.”
Mr. Ringold returned with his wife at that moment and Nick resumed his inquiries. The woman could add but little, however, to what her husband already had stated. She described the messenger as a dark man of medium build, wearing a livery and accompanied by a chauffeur, who remained in the limousine while the other performed his supposedly genuine mission.
“At what time did he call, Mrs. Ringold?” Nick inquired.
“I think it was shortly after five o’clock,” she replied.
“It then was dark out-of-doors?”