Nick saw nothing to be gained by returning to the Waldmere Chambers, and he hastened to the Wilton House, instead, going at once to the suite assigned him, where Chick and Patsy then were waiting for him.
“Well, there must be something doing, indeed,” Chick exclaimed, gazing at him when he entered. “Has it taken Gleason the entire morning to tell you why we are needed in Madison?”
“No, not quite,” Carter replied, taking a chair. “There is more doing than what Gleason confided to me, Chick, and I think there may be some connection between them. Unless I am very much mistaken, there was a deucedly singular murder committed about an hour ago.”
“The devil you say!” Chick returned. “Have you been looking into it?”
“Superficially.”
“Tell us, chief,” said Patsy, with immediate interest. “Why singular?”
“I will do so presently,” Nick replied. “I first will tell you why Chief Gleason sent for me. It’s a rather remarkable story.”
“A mysterious crime, chief?”
“Quite a number of them, Patsy.”
“Gee whiz! We are booked for some hard work, then, if the local police cannot handle them.”