On Saturday morning the news of the prisoner’s flight spread like wild-fire through Dalton. Officer George Johnson was not a hero on that occasion. The time of the townspeople was divided between commenting on his inefficiency and lack of vigilance, and the probability of the recapture of Carlos. It was almost universally agreed that, since Leonard Lester had succeeded so well in obliterating all traces of his movements, Carlos had like means of making his way to parts unknown. Still all efforts were made to trace the fugitive. The surrounding country was scoured, and brief telegrams were sent to the police of the different cities.
The body of Colonel Conrad was still lying in the mansion at Elm Grove. The funeral was appointed to take place on the following day—Sunday.
During Saturday Geoffrey Haywood was full of business. This was to be expected, considering the importance of the case and the emergencies that had arisen. And what was more natural and proper than that Mr. Haywood, the nephew of Colonel Conrad, and the intimate, trusted friend of the family, should be active in all measures which the exigencies of the occasion called up? He was his usual, calm, serene self, dignified, guarded, and forbidding in manner.
During the forenoon he called on Timothy Tibbs, Esq., the lawyer to whom the envelope was addressed that had been found on Colonel Conrad’s table. Lawyer Tibbs was somewhat advanced in years, and long devotion to business had rendered his face an impenetrable array of clear-cut features. He was called a hard business man, yet one of strict integrity. He had been Colonel Conrad’s confidential attorney and counselor.
“You will pardon me,” said Haywood, “for introducing the subject of my lamented uncle’s affairs so soon after his melancholy death. But circumstances have occurred, as you know, that render immediate investigation and action necessary.”
“You refer to the escape of young Conrad?”
“I refer to the escape of the murderer. You had charge, I believe, of some of the business matters of the late Colonel Conrad.”
“I had the honor, I may say, of conducting whatever legal transactions he was engaged in.”
“Exactly. You drew up his deeds, mortgages, conveyances, and—his will.”
“Yes, sir.”