“There may be a connection between the several cases, Todd’s murder and the mystery involving these four girls,” Carter added. “I shall see Doctor Devoll this afternoon. I want to know just what he thinks about them, and the strange condition in which they were found.”
It was three o’clock when Chick approached Boyden’s restaurant in Middle Street. A man of middle age was standing in the doorway, whose interest in the appearance of one of the adjoining windows denoted that he was the proprietor. He walked out, and was to leave in a moment, when Chick, without having approached near enough to be seen from within, paused and asked:
“Are you Mr. Boyden?”
“I am,” said the latter. “Were you looking for me?”
“I want to inquire about a girl in your employ. It is in connection with some legal investigations, but in which the girl figures only indirectly,” Chick blandly explained. “Her name is Nellie Fielding.”
“What do you wish to learn about her?” Boyden questioned.
“How long has she been working for you?”
“About a year.”
“Is she married?”
“No, indeed. She is only nineteen, and is the only support of a crippled sister.”