“But Carney may have still another motive,” Nick added. “He is known to be a thief. The assault may have been made with intent to rob. In spite of Dillon’s assertion to the contrary, moreover, the thugs may have robbed him of something.”
“But he would know it in that case, Nick,” said Chick. “What possible object could Dillon have in concealing the fact?”
Nick smiled a bit oddly.
“Suppose he was robbed of something which he does not dare admit having had on his person?” he said inquiringly.
“Gee whiz!” cried Patsy quickly. “You are thinking of the portfolio, chief.”
“That calls the turn, Patsy,” Nick replied. “Let’s see what further warrants that idea. It is a significant fact that this assault was committed last Friday evening, that on which Garland was robbed of his portfolio.”
“That’s right, too, by gracious!” said Patsy, with increasing enthusiasm. “Gee! I’ll bet we have struck the trail.”
“But how could the portfolio have come into Dillon’s hand?” Chick demanded skeptically.
“As well ask, Chick, how could it have been disposed of in the touring car, if that is where the theft was committed, as appears most probable,” Nick replied. “We know that Verona Warren occupied the seat with Garland, on which he had placed his portfolio. She is the one person who, in spite of Garland’s relations with[{15}] her and evident faith in her, chiefly warrants suspicion. I got at that readily enough through the elimination process.”
“That is true, Nick, I’ll admit.”