“Gerry will soon learn all about Kendall’s winning that money.”
“No doubt, Chick, but he’ll not discover that Flood lost it voluntarily. You and I and that cuekeeper are all that know about it, and the humpback will keep his mouth closed. I’ll wager that Flood has insured that.”
“But the evidence against Flood is decidedly incriminating,” declared Chick. “Gerry will probably land him this very morning.”
“I don’t think so,” smiled Nick oddly. “I’m going to get in the way of Mr. Detective Gerry.”
“Oh, ho, that’s your game, is it?”
“That’s the beginning of it,” replied Nick, more gravely. “I’m convinced, despite the evidence against him, that Flood had no hand in this crime. Before I can proceed to an intelligent investigation of it, however, I must learn just where Moses Flood stands, and what attitude he will take when informed of the murder.”
“I see,” nodded Chick.
“He may deny any knowledge of it, or claim that he was not——Ah, but what’s the use of trying to anticipate Flood’s conduct?” Nick bluntly demanded. “A man who would do what he did last evening, Chick, would hesitate at nothing that served his purpose. He’s as difficult to read as—as——”
“As yourself,” supplemented Chick, with a laugh.
“Possibly even more difficult,” smiled Nick, as he completed his disguise. “At all events, Chick, I’m not quite sure that I want Flood arrested, and so I’m going to get in Gerry’s way until I can learn how the land lies.”