“Stop a bit!” cried Captain Talbot abruptly. “Here comes Kelly on the run. By thunder, I believe he has the weapon with which the crime was committed!”
Every eye was quickly turned in the direction indicated.
Along a path leading around the stable and to a gate at the rear of the extensive grounds a policeman was hurriedly approaching, holding above his head what appeared to be a stout stick. As he drew near, however, it was seen to be a heavy cane, highly polished, and with a round silver head.
“What have you there, Kelly?” cried Detective Gerry sharply.
“See for yourself, sir,” replied the officer. “I found it thrust beneath a lot of brushwood under the wall at the rear of the grounds.”
The detective uttered a cry as he seized it.
“Good God! it’s covered with blood,” said he. “And see! here are bits of scalp and hair dried on the side and head of it.”
“His hair!” cried Talbot, pointing to the lifeless man near-by.
“No doubt of it—not a shadow of doubt!” exclaimed Gerry. “It’s the weapon with which the deed was done.”
Even Nick Carter was a little startled, as well as a good deal puzzled.