Before they had discussed Ida’s information long both Nick and Chick had arrived at the same conclusion.
They believed they had found the murderer in Philadelphia, and that Nick’s instinct that Masson was not the person guilty of the murder of Ethel Romney had been right from the first.
“We must move without delay, Chick,” said Nick. “Our rescue of Ida will inform this man that we are in town, and he will run.”
“To make our conclusions a dead certainty,” said Chick, “we ought to prove that George Macrane was in New York on the day of the murder.”
“We’ll take the chances, and prove it afterward,” said Nick, grimly. “Come.”
“Where?” asked Chick.
“To see the chief of police.”
“At this hour? It is three in the morning.”
“He’ll have to stand for it.”
They went out and woke up the chief of police, who, understanding the situation, summoned two officers, whom he put at the disposal of Nick.