When the detective turned away from the phone it was to find that the chief was staring wide-eyed at him, while beads of sweat stood out upon his forehead.
“Great Scott, Carter, is all that true?� he cried out, clenching his hands and leaning forward in his chair.
“Yes, chief, it is all true—too true,â€� replied the detective.
And the chief could only stare at the detective, speechlessly.
CHAPTER XIII.
A THRILLING CLIMAX.
“Well, Mr. Lynne, are you rested? Are you feeling better now?�
It was the detective who asked the question as they left Doctor Kuhn’s house together, with the doctor accompanying them, to walk the short distance back to Pleasantglades. The chief had gone on alone after the telephoning episode, saying that big as he was he had not the courage yet to meet that man without seizing him by the throat.
“Oh, yes,� said Lynne. “I am beginning to get better control of myself. I am glad that you have come. I want to visit the vault under the north wing, and I rather wanted you to accompany me when I did that.�
“Indeed?� said Nick. “Why so?�
The man shrugged his shoulders, then replied: