ect it."

In default of any orders to the contrary, the watchman, Nelson, was at
his post behind the office building door, though he shrewdly suspected
that the chief necessity for guarding the premises had ceased with
their owner's death. He willingly admitted Krech, whom he recognized
afar, and nodded comprehension when Creighton introduced himself and
his present mission.

"Yes, sir, I've been wondering when you would get here."

"The deuce you have! You knew I was coming?"

"Yes, sir. I heard Mr. Bolt and this gentleman mentioning you
yesterday as they went out of here."

Creighton turned and looked at his friend sardonically. Beneath that
fixed regard Mr. Krech reddened, but stoutly defended himself.

"That was Jason Bolt," he averred. "He was full of the subject and I
remember his chattering about it as we left."

"Um. Can't be helped now." He shifted his gaze to the watchman. "Do
you remember if you mentioned it to any one?" Nelson hesitated, and
the detective was on him in a flash. "You did! Speak out. Tell the
truth, and you'll have no reason to be afraid of me or any one else.
This is a murder case, you know. It's an awful mistake to hold
anything back. Who did you tell?"

"Only one person sir. A woman. It just slipped out--"

"And probably did no harm. Don't get worried. Who was she?"

"A girl named Jones, sir, Drusilla Jones." An expression akin to
horror dawned in Nelson's eyes as he grasped for the first time the
significance of what he was about to add. "She had been keeping
company with a fellow named Charlie Maxon, who was put in jail a few
days ago by Mr. Varr--and last evening Charlie drugged his keeper and
never was missed until this morning!"

"My sainted aunt! What time did he break jail?"

"Moody--the keeper--says the last thing he remembers was the clock
strikin' ten."

"Krech, do they know what time Varr was murdered?"

"Approximately at eleven."

"Let's hope for his sake that Charles has a whacking good alibi! Have
you told the police about your talk with Drusilla Jones?"

"No, sir, they haven't been near me yet."

"Oh. Well, eventually you will find yourself having a heart-to-heart
talk with a man named Norvallis. Don't fail to tell him about your
chat with the lady--and you might just say that I advised you to repeat
it to him, will you?"

"Why, yes, sir. Do you think that Charlie Maxon--?"

"No embarrassing questions, please! Now I'd like to