“I do, certainly,� replied the doctor, taking Lynne’s wrist and feeling his pulse. “You really must rest, if only for a few moments, sir,� he said, in a kindly tone to the millionaire. “You are greatly excited. Your pulse is beating like a triphammer.�
Lynne opened his mouth as if to protest, just as the big figure of the local chief of police loomed in the doorway; and somehow the sight of it seemed to change his mind, for he bowed to the policeman and spoke in a low tone to him, and passed out of the room.
Nick Carter stepped forward quickly and closed the door after him, thus shutting himself in alone with the coroner and the chief.
“Gentlemen,� he said, “I suppose you notice the great change in Mr. Lynne, since you last saw him, don’t you?�
“I certainly do,â€� replied the chief, with emphasis on the I. “He was always most cordial to me, and to-day he has scarcely spoken to me at all; but I suppose that is due to this affair. Poor little girl. Why, Mr. Carter, I’ve watched that girl grow up, and she seems almost like one of my own. A sweeter, purer, gentler, more lovable soul never dwelt in a human body. If I could get my hands on the fiend that did that act—I expect I’d have to go to prison myself.â€�
“You are convinced, then, that it was murder, chief?�
“Just as sure as can be. There isn’t the slightest doubt of it in my mind.�
“So am I convinced of it, chief. And we will get at that, presently. By the way, doctor, have you, too, noticed any especial change in Mr. Lynne?�
“Why, yes, but more in his manner than in anything else, although he is certainly much stouter and in much better general health than when I last saw him. Oh, no, I don’t know as there is so much change, after all. He has grown considerably grayer, I think.�
“I wonder—he is feeling badly, you know—if a cigar would do him any good? A cigar is a great thing for me when I am——â€�