“That’s all I mean, and all I can remain to say. Bear it in mind, Mr. Hawley, and be governed accordingly.”
Nick did not wait for an answer, nor to note the effect of his somewhat curt remarks. He at once ran down the steps and entered his touring car.
“To police headquarters, Danny, at top speed,” he directed. “We have a rapid-fire case on our hands.”
Hawley came out on the steps and gazed after the speeding car. He now was frowning darkly. There was an[Pg 10] anxious gleam and glitter deep down in the narrowed eyes back of his gold-bowed spectacles. His pointed beard twitched and quivered perceptibly while he bit his lower lip.
After a moment, nevertheless, he turned calmly to the policeman and asked, with curious coolness:
“Where has he gone?”
“Give it up,” said Gilroy tersely. “He never tells where he’s going, nor what he has up his sleeve. Nick Carter isn’t that kind.”
“He might have said, at least, whether I could enter the flat and——”
“Rats!” Gilroy growled. “Did you want it written down with a slate and pencil? He as much as said you couldn’t enter. There’s nothing for you in waiting.”
Hawley waited, nevertheless.