“Very well,â€� said Nick, with quiet decision. “We will find him. I think that I can give you both my word that we will find him within twenty-four hours—or less.â€�
“Do you mean that, Mr. Carter?� the chief exclaimed.
“Yes, I mean it.�
“Would you mind telling me just why you are so plumb certain about it?�
For a moment the detective hesitated. Then he said:
“Chief—and you, doctor, also—if you will be satisfied with a partial explanation for the present, I will make it; but there are reasons, and weighty ones, too, why I would very much prefer to leave the full explanation till later. Will you be satisfied with that, and trust me?â€�
“I will,� said the chief.
“And I, also,� announced the doctor.
“Then I will tell you this much now: This is not the first time I have been in this room since Miss Lynne was killed.�
“Not the first time? Eh? What do you mean by that?� exclaimed the chief.