“Yes, sir; but to pass out from the house that way, Mr. Lynne would have been obliged to walk around by the cemented walk to the front of the residence in order to go upon the street. The gardener has been employed all day close to that walk, and he has seen nothing of Mr. Lynne. Besides—oh, well, sir, I am sure that he did not go out that way.â€�
“Still he may have done so, and gone to the garage.�
“No, sir. The chauffeur has been there all day. He has seen nothing of Mr. Lynne.�
The detective seated himself upon one of the chairs near at hand and looked long and earnestly into the face of the servant who was relating this remarkable tale. At last he said:
“Thomas, nine men out of ten, listening to your story, would accuse you of doing some deliberate lying, having been directed to do so by your master, who, for some reason chose to create this mystery; or having your own private and personal reasons for doing it.�
“I am telling you nothing but the truth, sir, so far as I know it.�
Nick made no reply. The servant continued:
“Why should Mr. Lynne wish to create such a mystery, even if he were in good health, and had the strength and agility to get around unaided?—which you know he had not. And what possible incentive could I have——â€�
“I was turning those very questions over in my mind, Thomas. It is quite evident that Mr. Lynne is not here.�
“Quite so, sir; nor anywhere else in the house. I have searched everywhere.�