“What makes you think they’re not concerned in the robbery?” he asked.
“Not one of the seven knows enough. If hoboes did this job, they are of a different caliber from those you have run in. And, last but not least, they’d have different hands.”
“Different hands?” echoed the amazed officer.
Nick nodded.
“A tramp who uses an ax, or a buck-saw, to earn a meal, has a palm entirely unlike a cracksman.”
“But you didn’t look at their hands!”
“Yes, I did,” smiled Nick. “Now, if you please, I would like to see the patrolman who found Gardner.”
“You seem pretty well posted, Mr. Carter.”
“I read the newspapers pretty carefully.”
The patrolman was brought in, but the interview with him developed nothing of importance.