“You become keen with age, Hardy, like a good blade,” said Nick, more seriously. “This is between us, mind you.”

“That goes without saying.”

“There was an assault committed here last Friday evening on Captain Casper Dillon, a retired army officer. What do you know about it?”

“Have you seen to-day’s papers?”

“That is where I got my information. I wish to know what you can add to it.”

“Nothing,” said Captain Hardy. “They tell the whole story, so far as I know, or any one else appears to know.”

“The man arrested, Tom Carney, is still in custody?”

“Yes. His case was continued until to-morrow. It will probably come up in the afternoon session.”

“Has he received any mail?”

“No, not a piece.”