“‘Captain Dillon states that he is completely in the dark as to the motive for the assault, as well as the identity of his assailants. He appeared in the municipal court when Carney was arraigned on Saturday morning. He was unable to refute the prisoner’s statements, however, and Carney has been held pending further investigations. The case bids fair to remain, nevertheless, an unsolved mystery.’”
Patsy lowered the newspaper while he read the last line of the article, gazing over it at Chick who said indifferently:
“I see nothing very mysterious in that. The thugs had a grudge against Dillon for some reason, and they got back at him by knocking him on the head.[{13}]”
“They did that all right, at least,” Patsy said dryly.
“It reads like a lot of smoke from a very small fire,” Chick added. “There is nothing to it, in my opinion, if the whole truth were told. The reporter who wrote it up must have been working on space, or——”
“One moment,” Nick interrupted, returning to the room while only partly dressed. “I don’t quite agree with you, Chick. Read the story again, Patsy. I heard only parts of it while dressing.”
Patsy hastened to comply, reading the article from beginning to end.
Nick stood listening while knotting his necktie. His strong, clean-cut face became more grave. His eyes took on a more intent expression.
“There may be more fire, Chick, than is supposed,” said he, taking the newspaper from Patsy and glancing himself at the article. “I think there really is, in fact.”
“Why so?” questioned Chick, a bit surprised. “For what reason?”