“He saw a batch of photographs and blue prints on a table, but was so unnerved by the threatening situation that he did not examine them, taking it for granted that they were what Margate stated.” “The more fool he,” Chick said dryly. “I suspect that the rascal would not have let him examine them, in case my suspicions are correct,” said Nick. “I suspect, too, that the big camera Garland saw in the room was brought there only to give color to Margate’s assertions.” “By gracious, chief, if we could find out where he got it----” “That’s the very point, Patsy,” Nick interrupted. “He may have bought it in some store, or hired it from some photographer. You must start out this morning and follow up that thread.” “I’ve got you.” “You may be able to learn from whom the camera was obtained and where it was delivered. Garland has stated that it was too large for one to have carried away by hand. It may have been sent by express, or taken away in an automobile by the rascal himself. Follow up the thread, if possible, wherever it leads.” “Trust me for that, chief,” said Patsy expressively. “In the meantime, Chick, you must see Lottie Trent’s brother, in prison, and find out from him whether the girl is acquainted with Margate, and, if possible, where he has been living since he slipped through our fingers a month ago. If you tell Larry Trent what has befallen his sister and of what Margate is guilty, I think he will state all he knows about the rascal.” “Very likely,” Chick agreed. “You have no doubt, I infer, that Margate is the man who killed the priest.” “Not the slightest,” said Nick confidently. “But for what reason?” “Because, unless I am much mistaken, Lottie Trent has been friendly with Margate for some little time, not knowing his true name and character, nor anything about his relations with her convict brother,” Nick explained. “I think she in some way discovered, however, that Margate was plotting with confederates against Garland, and that she went to Father Cleary and confided in him.” “Confided what?” “One fact on which hinges the whole business and which further confirms my suspicions.” “Namely?” “The fact that Margate is out only to blackmail Garland, and that he has not a single photograph of the government plans.” “But why didn’t she inform Garland himself, in that case, instead of confiding in the priest?” “She may have had no opportunity,” Nick pointed out. “She may have made the discovery that very evening. She may have been threatened by Margate and others engaged in the scheme.” “I see,” Chick nodded.