“In the first place, doctor, Ramon Orizaba was murdered. I have already discovered that much, but for important reasons I wish particularly that you should have the credit of the discovery.”
“Murdered! There is absolutely no outward evidence of a crime.”
“No; but I can show you much that will convince you; therefore will you do as I have requested?”
“Certainly I will.”
“Then in an hour if you will meet me in the room to which they are taking the body, I will talk with you there.”
“Very good; I will be there.”
Turning from the doctor, Nick motioned for young Danton to come to him.
“The servants already know that Orizaba is dead,” he said rapidly. “I think you had best carry the information to your mother yourself. Tell her only what the valet told you and what the doctor has said since he arrived. That will be enough for the present. I will take it upon myself to go into the rose-garden and break the news to your sister. Conduct yourself throughout exactly as you have done up to the present moment—if you think you can keep up under this awful strain.”
“I must keep up. There is no choice.”
“True. But don’t drop down in your tracks. Once in a while you look as if you were about to do that very thing.”