Leaving Maynard and the reporter in the room, Nick and the clerk descended to the office. The signature, when inspected through a powerful glass, proved to be a very ordinary one, but Nick made certain that it was written by a woman.
“How did that reporter get in here?” asked Nick.
“I suspect that the elevator boy gave him a tip,” was the reply.
Nick called the boy, who looked confused, and neither admitted nor denied the accusation.
Presently a deputy coroner arrived, and Nick accompanied him to room 43. While the reporter was asking him impossible questions, Nick took the clothing left by the murderer to the office, and left it with the clerk, carefully wrapped.
“Give that to no one,” he said. “I will call for the package in person.”
Then the reporter and Maynard came down the elevator, and the former started off.
“I’m going,” he said. “Come along.”
“Shall I come?” whispered Maynard.