Hawley, the reporter, still was waiting for information. Other reporters had arrived and were blocking the steps. Most of them recognized the detective and awaited him eagerly.
“Nothing doing, gentlemen, at present,” said Nick, threading his way between them. “It’s too early in the game. Wait till I have dug up something definite.”
“But I have been told that the Honorable Arthur Gordon has been arrested on suspicion,” said a persistent one. “Is that true, Mr. Carter?”
“No, no, quite the contrary,” Nick coolly asserted. “Gordon went down to headquarters voluntarily, merely to explain certain circumstances that seemed at that time to have a bearing on the case. That was all a mistake. Gordon is at liberty and has returned to his residence in Riverside Drive. If you publish anything to the contrary, you will make a most egregious blunder.”
“But he was placed under arrest, wasn’t he?” Hawley demanded impulsively.
Nick swung round and eyed him more sharply. There was something about him he did not fancy, something that in a vague way impressed him that they had met before, but he then was in too great haste to seriously consider the fleeting impression. He lingered only for a moment, replying a bit curtly:
“No, no, there has been no arrest. Nothing of the kind. No arrests will be made, in fact, until evidence is found that will warrant it. That’s all, gentlemen, at present.”
Nick turned with the last and strode into the hall.
Hawley gazed after him furtively, with eyes dilating and his pointed beard twitching nervously. He remained only for a moment longer, then descended the steps and hurried away.
Nick found Chick and Phelan patiently waiting for[Pg 15] him, though the former immediately greeted him with anxious inquiry.