“Were you acquainted with an Alfred Lawrence?” the detective inquired of the cashier as soon as he was seated.
The gentleman started in surprise, and asked:
“Why do you ask that question?”
“I want information,” Carter replied, with a smile. He paused for a moment, and then he continued: “I can see from the manner in which you started that you knew Alfred Lawrence.”
“Yes, I did know Alfred Lawrence, and I always regarded him as an honest man. In spite of the fact that he was tried and found guilty of forgery, I have always believed he was innocent. But why do you come here asking about Lawrence?”
“Lawrence was murdered at the Red Dragon Inn early this morning.”
“No! It can’t be true!”
The gentleman bounded out of his chair and, standing in the center of the room, gazed at Carter with an expression of astonishment upon his face.
“It is true, nevertheless,” the detective replied.
“I saw him yesterday. He had just been released from Sing Sing Prison.”