Mr. Smart led the way to a large handsomely furnished room on the lower floor, and, turning on the lights, Nick cast a quick glance around the apartment.
“This was his seat?” asked Nick, as he took the big revolving-chair in front of a roll-top desk.
“Yes,” answered the lawyer, “that is where he spent his days.”
Nick stepped to the chair and sat down as if he were about to go to work at the desk. He glanced quickly over the top of the desk, into the pigeonholes in the back, and then sat for a moment thinking.
“Have you asked the servant if he saw anything of the document in the hands of Mr. Peters?” he inquired finally.
“Yes. The man had seen nothing of it, and I think if the old gentleman had had it exposed to view in his presence he would have noticed it. He is a very observant person, and had the interests of his master at heart. In fact, he aided him in much of his clerical work.”
“If Mr. Peters had had the will in his hand when the servant helped him up or down-stairs, you think the man would have noticed it?”
“Undoubtedly.”
“Then the will is in this desk.”
Nick spoke with the utmost confidence, and again the lawyer showed some irritation.