“He made the appointment which kept Maynard downtown with his diamonds,” was the reply, “and he made it only when he knew that the diamonds were in sight.”
“But he was not at the café until after Townsend left,” said the assistant.
“Anyway, we’ll look him up,” said Nick.
“There is one thing certain,” said Chick, “and that is, the case will be won if Maynard ever recovers so as to be able to give the names of the people he saw in room forty-four before he was struck down.”
“We can’t afford to wait for that,” said Nick. “The robbers and the murderer must be caught at once, if at all.”
“And the diamonds?”
“I am no longer interested in the diamonds.”
This conversation had taken place, in low tones, in the hallway near to the door of room 43. The hall was deserted except for a chambermaid loitering at the farther end. It was too early for the guests to be astir.
Nick now unlocked the door to room 43, and stepped inside.