When Thomas Jarvis, with a grim expression on his tightly closed lips, came into the room, there was a look of curiosity on the faces of both Louden Powers and Andrew Lampton.
The man who had been called Howard Milmarsh was the only person in the large circle about the massive mahogany table who seemed not to be interested. He was sitting opposite Nick Carter, his head bent forward, so that his chin almost rested on his chest, and his eyes fixed vacantly upon the table.
“Now that we are all here, you may go,” said the detective, dismissing the two menservants.
“Don’t we have anything to drink?” asked Louden Powers. “Or is this to be a dry session?”
“We won’t drink,” replied Nick. “But I don’t think it will be so very dry. We shall see.”
He did not say anything more until Dobbs and Kelly had withdrawn. Then he made a motion to his assistant, Chick, who locked the door and handed the key to his chief.
“Now, Mr. Jarvis, we’ll hear you first,” announced Carter. “What are you here for?”
“I’m here to take possession of my property,” replied Jarvis. “I have had my attorney go through all the necessary legal forms, and I demand that you all leave this house forthwith.”
Louden Powers and Andrew Lampton laughed aloud, and even Chick and Patsy indulged in a quiet smile.
“I don’t think there is anything to be said about that, Mr. Jarvis, except to inform you that Howard Milmarsh is here, and that therefore your claim is nothing at all. Your attorney should have known that.”