“I told him that I did not. I had seen him only once.”
“Is that all he said?”
“Yes, sir.”
“How did he act?”
“Queer, I thought. When he stepped out of the cage he turned back again, as if he thought of going back down with me. Once or twice he clutched his left side, up there by the inside pocket.”
“I wish he had gone down again!” cried Maynard, starting from his chair. “He lost his life by going on! Can nothing be done, Mr. Carter? Is he past all hope of recovery?”
Nick dismissed the elevator boy and turned to the agitated young man.
“Don’t give way to your emotions now,” he said. “We have much to do if the murderer is ever brought to justice and the diamonds recovered.”
“Never mind the diamonds,” said Maynard. “I wish I had never set eyes on them! First my poor uncle, and now my best friend! The devil is in the diamonds! I hope I shall never see them again.”
“Are you strong enough to remain here while I take a look at the body and the room? If not, you would better sit in the office.”