When Dr. Goodenough arrived that evening he informed Jack that Professor Chadwick had sufficiently recovered to be able to talk. With what eagerness they all awaited the outcome of that interview may be imagined. But so far as helping to clear up the mystery was concerned, Professor Chadwick was as powerless as any of them.
“After Jack had closed the window and left,” he said, “I lay down upon the lounge. After a time I felt better and thought I would get a book. I rose from the couch and went toward the bookcase. I can recollect nothing more till I found myself in bed with Dr. Goodenough in attendance on me.”
“Nothing else at all?” gently urged the doctor.
“Nothing except that Jupe came in to tell me that the Electric Monarch had started successfully on her maiden voyage.”
“You can recall nobody attempting to force the window or open the safe?”
Professor Chadwick shook his head positively.
“Nothing like that at all, doctor,” he said, with conviction.
“And nobody but Jupe entered the room, to your knowledge?”
“Nobody,” declared Professor Chadwick, “and I think we can safely leave Jupe out of the question.”
Late that night Jack called up the Hinkley House and discovered that Sam had not returned.