“We can’t always tell at the beginning,” returned Nick. “I will not take up much time, but there are one or two things I wanted to discuss with you, if you don’t mind. You went for a walk this morning earlier than is your custom, I believe?”
“Yes. But why do you ask?”
She smiled as she put this query, in the manner of one[Pg 22] who feels something like pity for a puerile question. The detective was not disturbed, however. He continued his questioning in an even tone:
“Did you go for any special purpose, or merely for the benefit of the exercise?”
She pondered for a few moments, as if this was something that had not occurred to her. A slightly troubled look clouded her pretty face.
“I really cannot say exactly, Mr. Carter. But I think it was only because the beautiful morning tempted me. I went to bed late last night—or, rather, this morning. But it is often the case with me that, when I retire much later than my usual time, I am awake several hours earlier in the morning. When I wake, I always want to get up.”
“H’m!” muttered Nick Carter. “There is reason in that. I am often the same way.” Then, in a more brisk tone: “Do you mind telling me where you went?”
“I don’t mind at all. I went down this avenue till I got to where the trolley cars pass. It had been my intention to go into the park for ten minutes or so. But I thought it would be pleasanter to ride in one of the open cars for a few blocks, and come back in the same manner. So I stepped on a car.”
“A Brooklyn Heights car?”
“Yes. It was going in that direction.”