“Of course I will not be hampered with instructions from anybody, as the manner in which I work is not always in accordance with the set rules of some of the detectives,” continued Nick.
“You will not be interfered with in any way, and any assistance that you may need will be furnished you gladly,” said the inspector.
“Now if you will commence at the beginning and tell me all about the case I will go to work at once,” said Nick.
The inspector told Nick all that he knew, from the finding of the first body.
Nick listened attentively.
When the inspector had finished, Nick said:
“Kindly give me a detailed account of the spot where these men were found.”
“Are you familiar with the country surrounding Astoria?” asked the inspector.
“Fairly so.”
“Well, about two miles north of Astoria is an old lane that runs through a clump of trees——”