“That stated in this anonymous letter. No sane man would ignore such a warning. Leave Madison as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the sender may again make good and kill you. I would advise you to lose no time in returning to New York.”
“I shall do nothing of the kind.”
“No?”
“I shall remain in Madison until I have stuffed that letter down the sender’s throat.”
“Well, that’s up to you, of course, and I admire your nerve.” Doctor Devoll smiled again and returned the letter. “It strikes me, however, that you will take a desperate chance, a foolhardy one, in view of the threat that has been executed. I would expect, if I were in your shoes, to have my head blown off at any moment.”
“I’ll risk it.”
“As I have said, then, it’s up to you.” Doctor Devoll drew forward in his chair and spread his hands on his knees. “But why have you called to show me the letter, and what do you expect to learn from me? I know nothing about it or about the theft of the pearls.”
Nick glanced down at the physician’s hands. He noticed that they were white and slender, that the nails were neatly manicured, and that that on his right thumb was a bit discolored, as if from a slight bruise. He looked up and replied:
“On the contrary, Doctor Devoll, you do know something about the theft.”
“Nonsense! What do you mean by that?”