“Mr. Grote, as a representative of Superintendent Byrnes, I ask you to mention to no one the fact that you saw me enter that room just now. It may be of great concern to innocent parties who are in danger at this time that my visit to Mr. Byke’s office shall not be known to any one save our three selves for the present.” “You can rely on me, sir, to be mum on the subject.” “Thank you, and that is all.” Nick himself accompanied Mr. Grote to the large office, and, addressing the two policemen, said: “Mr. McCarthy, all these good people, except Mr. Redway, of whom we wish to ask a few more questions, may go. Mr. Brown, you will see that they have free access to their offices or the street.” Then, turning to Redway, the detective said: “I would like to get a little more information from you, Mr. Redway. Will you be so kind as to step back into your office with me once more?” “Nobody could refuse a gentleman so polite as you,” was the sarcastic reply. Once inside, and the door locked, Nick proceeded without delay to his task. “Mr. Redway, you told me that you had been on the street, and when you came back you found Miss Langdon dead.” “You have stated the case correctly, sir.” “What time was it when you left Miss Langdon here alive and went down to the street?” “I cannot give you the exact time.” “Was it before or after five?” “Before.” “How do you know?” “Because I rode down in the elevator, and the elevator boy never makes a trip after five o’clock.” “You are sure you rode down in the elevator?” “Why, certainly I am.” “Do you know where the elevator boy lives?” “No, but the janitor can tell you. He has his address.” The response was so feebly made that Nick was somewhat puzzled. “Where was your office boy when you went out?” “I had just sent him to the jeweler’s with my watch.” “How long before?” “Only a few minutes.” “How long did you remain on the street?” “Ten or fifteen minutes, probably.” “Why did you come up, go down and return the second time?” “What do you mean?” “Well, you say you rode down in the elevator a little before five and came back ten or fifteen minutes later. Why did you go down almost directly afterward and return the second time?” “I did not.” “But the janitor saw you going down the stairs about a quarter past five.” “I beg the janitor’s pardon, but he saw nothing of the kind.” “You deny, then, that you walked downstairs about that time?” “Most emphatically. I have not walked downstairs in this building to-day.” “When you were coming up did you have occasion to retrace your steps for a short distance?” “No, sir.” “You came straight up without turning back once?” “Yes.” “Is the janitor a truthful man?” “So far as I know, he is.” “If he declares, then, that he saw you go down the stairs at ten or fifteen minutes after five, or at any time after five o’clock, what would you say?” “That he either lied or was mistaken.”