“What is it?” called Latimer.
“Will you be so good as to come here?” Cody asked. “Here’s a mystery that is baffling and serious, but you may be able to make it seem quite simple.”
Latimer came forward. “Yes?” he said questioningly.
“Nomad came into this hall but a little while ago. He was hurrying, and as he came in he told me to follow him into that room, as he wished a word with me in private. I followed him to the door, and then on into the room; but he wasn’t there. He did not come out by the door, for it was in my view all the time, and he could not have gone out by the window and left it locked on the inside, if he’d had time, which he had not. Will you be so good as to point out what other way he could have gone out of that room?”
Latimer hesitated.
“Will you step to the door and look in,” said the scout.
John Latimer obeyed this, but when he turned about his face showed agitation.
“It’s one of the mysteries of this strange place,” he said, in a low voice. “All of my servants have disappeared in just that way. For a while they are here working around; then they are gone. I don’t know what becomes of them. I get other servants, and they likewise disappear.”
His manner was agitated. Buffalo Bill stood aghast.
“Are you in sober earnest, Mr. Latimer?”