“Was that the last time he went down?”
“No, he came back half an hour later and went down with me on my last trip at just five o’clock.”
This information confirmed Redway’s statement, and was a puzzler for Nick. He had reason now to know that if the janitor was correct in his testimony Redway must have come up almost immediately by the stairs, gone down the second time by the same way and returned a second time by the stairs.
The case had a very puzzling complexion at this particular place.
“When did you see Mr. Gay last?” asked Nick.
“Mr. Gay left the office about eleven o’clock and didn’t come back any more.”
“Did anybody inquire of you during the day for the offices of Bridgely & Byke?”
Nick expected the boy to say that the strange lady did. The reply was rather disappointing.
“Only one old fellow—an old man who rode up about half-past two or three o’clock.”
“How long did he stay?[{38}]”