“No, the janitor does that.” “Who leaves the first generally?” “Mr. Byke, when he’s here.” “And when he’s not here?” “Why, Mr. Gay. Mr. Gay has been out a good deal since Mr. Byke went to Europe. He went away to-day about eleven o’clock, and told me he wasn’t coming back, but he did come, late as it was.” “Are you always the last to leave?” “No, sir! Sometimes Mr. Redway stays here later than five, but he never keeps me.” “And Miss Langdon?” “She always left when I did--at five o’clock. The elevator stops running then.” “But she didn’t leave at five to-day?” “I guess not, sir.” “How does it come you returned to-day after your hour for going home?” “Mr. Redway sent me on an errand.” “What kind of an errand?” “To take his watch to a jeweler’s on Broadway to be cleaned.” “What time was that?” “Ten minutes before five.” “And told you to come back?” “No, sir; he said I needn’t come back. But the jeweler’s place was closed on account of a death in the family and I came back with the watch.” “Did you give him the watch?” “No, sir, I forgot it. I was so scared.” “Where is it?” “In my pocket.” “Let me see it.” The boy handed to Nick a magnificent gold hunting case watch. Merely glancing at it, Nick said: “I’ll return this to Mr. Redway. You needn’t tell him that the jeweler’s place was closed.” “But----” “No buts about it, lad. I am Nick Carter, and represent Superintendent Byrnes, and this is the coroner. You do what I tell you and no harm shall come to you.” Nick saw he was dealing with a naturally bright, quick-witted and honest lad. “Now, then, Jack, tell me. Who was here in these offices when you left to take Mr. Redway’s watch to the jeweler’s?” “Nobody, except him and Miss Langdon.” “That was ten minutes before five.” “Yes, sir.” “You are sure that he didn’t follow you to the street?” “Not that I saw. He had just come in from the street about ten minutes before.” “Oh!” “Yes, sir, he went out with a lady, and was gone nearly half an hour.” “Who was she?” “I don’t know. I never saw her before.” “What kind of looking lady was she?” “Young and very handsome.” “Whom did she ask for when she came?” “For Mr. Redway.” “Did she not give a name?” “No, sir. I asked her for her name. But she replied with a question, ‘Is he in there?’ Then she walked back, opened the door, came in here and shut it.” “Before the door closed I heard Mr. Redway say, ‘What--you here?’” “Where was Miss Langdon?” “Out at lunch.” “What time was that?” “When the lady came?” “Yes.” “About half-past two o’clock.” “And how long did she stay?” “Till a quarter past four.” “Was in there all that time with Mr. Redway?” “Yes, sir.” “Did no one disturb them?” “No, sir. Mr. Redway gave me orders soon after the lady went in that he was not to be disturbed by anybody. So I sent several parties away.” “But Miss Langdon?” “She came back about a quarter of three and sat out there in the big office with me till the lady went away.”