The three detectives passed out of the building, and stood on the sidewalk in front of the main doors, waiting for Masson to make his appearance.
“You must follow Masson when he shows up, Patsy,” said Nick.
Patsy moved away, to be prepared for this duty, and Chick said:
“If Masson’s words were not intended for us, then they were important in showing that there is another man on the carpet who might be confused with him.”
“And,” added Nick, “it would afford an explanation of the contradictions that now bother us.”
At this moment Masson came through the door and walked briskly up Forty-second Street, Patsy following.
Nick made a signal to Chick, and started after.
Thus Masson was followed to Fifth Avenue, when he turned to the south, going down that avenue, to all appearance unconscious that he was followed.
At Thirty-seventh Street Nick stopped, Chick halting with him.
“I have followed as far as I want,” said Nick. “I wanted to see whether he walked with a hitch or jerk of his shoulders.”