The detective went up to his suite, where, as he expected, he found Chick and Patsy waiting for him, the former eager to report what he had learned from Nellie Fielding. It took him only a few moments, and apparently, as Chick had reasoned, it seemed only to deepen the mystery. It brought a look of grim satisfaction, however, to the face of the listening detective.
“I cannot see that it sheds any light on the case,” Chick added perplexedly.
“It does, Chick, nevertheless,” Carter said confidently.
“Does it dovetail with something you have discovered?”
“You may judge for yourself. I’ll tell you what I saw and learned during my call on Doctor Devoll.”
He proceeded to do so, but the look of perplexity still lingered on Chick’s face, and Patsy appeared dubiously puzzled.
“It is somewhat significant, if you are right, chief, that both Doctor Devoll and his man lied to you,” Chick said thoughtfully. “But I don’t see that what the physician said to you or the position he took cuts any ice.”
“You don’t, eh?” returned Carter, smiling grimly. “It cuts quite thick ice, Chick.”
“Why so? I don’t get you.”
“Gee whiz, chief, nor do I,” put in Patsy. “What do you mean? Come across with it.”