He sat gazing intently at the top of his desk, but Nick saw at a glance that his mind was elsewhere. His thin lips were drawn. His heavy brows hung like frowning battlements over his vacant eyes. His large hands were gripping the arms of his chair.
Nick moved on quietly to the side door and touched the electric bell.
It was not answered for several moments. Then a heavy tread could be heard in the side hall.
“No servant ever treads like that,” thought Nick. “He could not hold his job.”
The door was opened by Mr. Madison himself. He turned a switch key in the near casing, and a flood of light filled the side hall and fell on the figure and face of his visitor.
Madison recoiled slightly, then instantly caught himself.
“Why, good evening, Mr. Carter,” said he, with his sonorous voice only a bit unsteady on the first two words.[Pg 29]
“Good evening, Mr. Madison.”
“This is a surprise. Walk in,” said the lawyer. “I am glad to see you.”
Nick entered, smiling and shaking the other’s extended hand. It felt cold and clammy in that of the detective.