Patiently he waited for the cashier of the safe deposit company to speak. He desired to let him have plenty of time in which to recall to his mind all that had happened between him and the murdered man on the previous day. Finally the gentleman raised his head and gazed intently into Carter’s face. “This is a great shock to me,” he remarked, as he passed his hand over his forehead. “Lawrence came into my office about two o’clock. “At first I did not recognize him on account of the great change that had been wrought in him. “When I learned who he was I was glad to see him. “He sat down and told me about his prison experience. “In years gone by we had been friends. “When he was tried I did what I could to help him. “The evidence was too strong against him, and he was convicted. “When he was sent to prison he left in my care some securities to dispose of. I sold them and placed the money on deposit with the Bank of North America. “I wrote to him about it, and he said that he desired me not to communicate with him again until he should be free. Then he would call upon me. If I were to die I was to provide in my will that the money should be placed with some trust company for him. “Well, as I said, he called on me yesterday. He asked me for two hundred dollars, and I gave it to him.” The gentleman paused. “How much was the full amount?” asked Nick, upon whom the cashier’s information was making a clear impression of innocence on the part of Alfred Lawrence. “About seven thousand dollars,” the cashier answered. “Did Lawrence talk about his family?” “He did not.” “Did he talk about any one?” “All he said was that he intended to prove that he was not a forger.” “Did he say how he was going to do it?” “No.” “Were you ever acquainted with Simeon Rich?” “No.” “Is he living in the city?” “I don’t know.” “And you don’t know what became of Lawrence’s wife and child?” “I do not.” “Did you know that Lawrence’s house on Beach Street has remained vacant for years?” “No.” “When Lawrence left you did he say where he was going?” “He did not.” “Did he say that he would call on you again?” “He promised to call and see me to-morrow.” “Did Lawrence run a safe deposit box?” “He did. He had one with our company.” “Did he open it yesterday?” “No. He told me that he intended to open it to-morrow.” “Did he have the key?” “He did.” “Do you know the number of the box?” “I do not.” “To-morrow I will find out the number for you.” “Can’t you do so to-day?” “Why?” “I want to examine the contents of that box.” “You will have to wait until to-morrow, Mr. Carter. Then I will get permission for you to open the box.” “I suppose I’ll have to wait.” “I am sorry that I can’t help you to-day.” “So am I.” Carter gave the cashier an account of the mysterious murder at the Red Dragon Inn and then he departed, promising to call on him at his office early the next morning.