“That is precisely the idea. Now, in the first place no one at the local headquarters, where I think they have about four policemen on duty, would think of questioning a report that you or I, Chick, would leave with them. So we will drive directly to the local headquarters, where I want you, Chick, to go inside while Patsy and I remain in the car. Do you know the rest?�
“You had better tell me so that I will get it exactly as you want it.�
“They know that we were out here to-night, and they know what for, don’t they? I told you to go there.�
“Yes.�
“Say to the officer in charge at the desk merely that in passing the gate at Pleasantglades you noticed that there were tracks in the snow, showing that several men had passed in and out of there during the night; that you thought it best to mention the fact—and that is all. Come back out and get into the car, and we will drive away.â€�
“You mean for them to find the body, and to report that three men had been in the house and had come out again.�
“Just that.�
“But I don’t quite see the point,� said Patsy, as he climbed into the car, and Danny, having received his directions, started forward.
“It is this: The local police of course know that Pleasantglades is at the present time unoccupied, and, doubtless, it is up to them to keep it free from molestation. Your report will hurry them around there to see what the tracks in the snow mean. They will find that the chain on the gate has been filed; they will follow the tracks to the door where we entered; they will find the body of the young mistress of the house, as we saw it; they will find no indications of violence anywhere, and yet the undisputed proof that men have been there.�
“Well?� said Patsy, when he paused.