They returned to the cab and stood on the sidewalk near it. Carter was silent for a short time. Suddenly he looked up into the pale face of the cabman and asked: “Where did you drive him?” “You mean----” the man stammered. The question had been asked so suddenly that he was slightly confused. “I mean the man whose body lies over there in the Red Dragon Inn.” “I drove him down to the Manhattan Safe Deposit Company. He got out of the cab, told me to wait for him, and then he went into the building, where he remained for nearly half an hour. When he came out he paid and dismissed me.” “When he paid you did he display any large amount of money?” “He had quite a large-sized roll of bills in his hand.” “Did you drive away immediately after you received the money for your services?” “I did.” “And you did not notice in which direction the old man went?” “He went back into the building.” CHAPTER IV. A PECULIAR INTERVIEW. Carter lapsed into silence after the cabman had answered his last question. It was clear to him now that Lawrence had secured money at the Manhattan Safe Deposit Company. Did he get the money out of a box, which he owned, or from some one connected with the company? The detective proposed to find out. He happened to be acquainted with the cashier of the safe deposit company, so he ordered the cabman to drive him to the gentleman’s house. Fortunately, Carter found the cashier at home, and he was received by him in his library. “Were you acquainted with an Alfred Lawrence?” the detective inquired of the cashier as soon as he was seated. The gentleman started in surprise, and asked: “Why do you ask that question?” “I want information,” Carter replied, with a smile. He paused for a moment, and then he continued: “I can see from the manner in which you started that you knew Alfred Lawrence.” “Yes, I did know Alfred Lawrence, and I always regarded him as an honest man. In spite of the fact that he was tried and found guilty of forgery, I have always believed he was innocent. But why do you come here asking about Lawrence?” “Lawrence was murdered at the Red Dragon Inn early this morning.” “No! It can’t be true!” The gentleman bounded out of his chair and, standing in the center of the room, gazed at Carter with an expression of astonishment upon his face. “It is true, nevertheless,” the detective replied. “I saw him yesterday. He had just been released from Sing Sing Prison.” “Please be seated and try to be calm. I want you to recall to your mind all that occurred yesterday between you and Lawrence. It is important that you should remember everything.” “I will try and do as you request.” The gentleman resumed his seat, and for some time he bowed his head, resting it upon his hand. The detective remained quiet.