It is hard to describe the effect of the strange voice on Fellman. He did not suspect any supernatural agency, nor did he suspect ventriloquism. He merely suspected that some person in the crowd was shouting off the questions, and he believed that whoever it was the party was representing the real sentiments of some people who had thus expressed themselves concerning the mystery. He was a cunning man. He did not propose to remain around and be “guyed” and he left the lunch-room without even stopping to say good-day to his friend.
Meantime our hero had gathered up all he needed to know. He was assured that Burlein still lived and was beyond question an inmate of that mysterious country house.
Ike considered a long time, and finally decided upon his course of action. He knew he could trace the affair down and might possibly succeed in freeing young Burlein from confinement, but he knew the full advantage of evidence. He calculated that Fellman had laid his plans well and was well fortified for the carrying out of his scheme. Ike had often heard of a well-known detective and he had evidence that the officer was a square man. The boy knew that a fair reward would be paid. Indeed Fellman had offered a reward of five thousand dollars for his partner alive, or conclusive evidence of his death.
Ike proceeded down to headquarters. He visited the detective quarters and asked for the man of whom he had heard. He was answered in an indifferent manner that the officer was out of town.
“When will he be in town?”
“I don’t know.”
The party who made the answers was a clerk. Another man came from a private office and asked:
“Did you inquire for Murray?”
“I did.”
“You wish to see him personally?”