There was no need for inquiries, however, for Busby stepped out and quickly accosted them, with a look of grave concern on his wrinkled face.
“I say, gents, you’re not looking for a stray woman, are you?” he asked, glancing from one to the other.
“That’s precisely what we are looking for,” Nick replied, with well-feigned eagerness.
“By gracious, then, it’s lucky I happened out here just as you came along,” declared Busby, with manifest relief.
“An elderly woman,” Nick added.
“That’s right. She pulled my bell along about three o’clock this morning,” said Busby, pointing. “I came out and found her sitting on the sidewalk. She was only partly dressed and didn’t seem to be right in the head. I took her in and my wife put her to bed. We don’t know who she is from a side of leather. I’ve sent for a doctor, but he hasn’t showed up. I was just coming out to look for him.”
“By Jove, this is good news, indeed, Carter,” cried Margate, clapping the detective on the shoulder. “I’ll go in with you and make sure there is no mistake, and I then will rush back and relieve Mr. Clayton and his wife.”
“Good enough!” Nick exclaimed, as if utterly void of suspicion. “Lead the way, my man, and permit us to identify this woman. If the lady for whom we are seeking, you shall be well paid for what you have done.”
“You, too, shall be well paid for what you have done,” thought Margate grimly, while both hastened into the inclosed grounds.
Nick heard Busby close and lock the heavy grille gate, but the sound brought no ominous misgivings to the mind of the detective. He already knew that the net he had spread was fast closing tightly around his victims.