“No, indeed,” said Garland. “I have a private room and an outer office resembling these. I employ only a girl stenographer, who has a desk in the outer office.”
“Does she know on what work you have been engaged?”
“No, sir. That is known only to Captain Backas and the heads of the department.”
“All of whom are, of course, perfectly reliable,” said Nick. “I now am aiming only to pick up a clew, Garland, to the identity of the person who could have had the information necessary to have framed up this job. Did your stenographer know you were going to Annapolis last Friday?”
“Yes, sir. I told her I was going the day before.”
“Did you tell her for what?”
“No.”
“Let’s make a jump, then,” said Nick. “Whom did you see in Annapolis, who might by any means have learned of your mission?”
“Only Captain Backas,” said Garland emphatically. “I went directly to his office, where I remained until I left for my train to Washington.[{8}]”
“Who else was in the office during your conference with Captain Backas?”