“It may be necessary to take other steps later in order to hit the right trail,” Carter said in conclusion. “I will decide about that after learning what the autopsy reveals. I’ll see the coroner and medical examiner this morning.”
“We may as well be off, then, and get in our work,” said Chick.
“The sooner the better,” the detective declared, glancing at his watch. “It is now nine o’clock. We’ll meet here again at one.”
CHAPTER VIII.
THE YELLOW COUPON.
It was half past nine when Chick sauntered across Hamilton Square and sized up the buildings and grounds of the Osgood Hospital. He had learned from his chief the general lay of the land, so to speak, and continued around the extensive park and grounds, seeking the rear gate through which Mabel Smith, so called, had either entered or been carried into the place.
He was not long in finding the gate, and he then discovered a gardener at work near by with a lawn mower. Entering with an air of cursory interest only, he approached him and inquired:
“Is there any objection to my looking around a bit?”
“No, sir, I reckon not,” said the laborer.
“I’ll not disturb anything.”