“Was that all she told you?” “Yes.” Carter thought for some time before he asked another question. He reviewed all that Dora had told him. He had gained some important information, but not as much as he had expected. However, he was firmly convinced that Dora had told him the truth, and that she had concealed nothing. “Miss Ferris,” he said, after a time, “where was Dick Darwin on New Year’s Eve?” “I don’t know where he was. He was with Rich. That I do know.” “How do you know?” “I saw them together, going down Sixth Avenue, about nine o’clock at night. They did not see me.” “What time did you next see him?” “At two o’clock in the morning.” “Where?” “He came to my flat. He was greatly excited about something, and it seemed to me that he was very nervous.” “Didn’t he say where he had been?” “No.” “Did you ask him?” “I did.” “And he would not tell you?” “He would not.” “You say he was very nervous?” “Very. His clothing was spattered with mud, and it seemed to me as if he had been in some kind of a rumpus.” “Was he intoxicated?” “No.” “Is the clothing which he had on that night at your flat?” “It is in his room there. But, Mr. Carter, for what purpose are you asking all these questions? What do you suspect?” “I can’t tell you now.” “You can trust me. I hate Dick Darwin so that I would help you to send him to prison.” “Would you do that?” “I swear I would do it!” “I am afraid----” “Afraid I wouldn’t?” “Yes.” “Try me--trust me.” Carter looked at the woman intently for some time in silence. Over and over again he asked himself whether he dare to trust her or not, and, at the same time, he was evolving a plan in his mind. CHAPTER IX. MORE EVIDENCE. Dora was the first to speak and break the silence. “Mr. Carter,” she said, “I can see that Rich and Darwin are implicated in some affair which you are investigating. It may be a crime. It was committed on New Year’s Eve, or you would not be so particular about that date. I feel sure of that.” “You are a shrewd woman,” the detective remarked, with a smile. “I am not very shrewd, but I can read character, and I am able to form conclusions by putting two and two together. “You asked about Dick Darwin’s clothing. If you desire to examine it, I will take you to my flat, and you can inspect it.” “Darwin may be there now.” “No, he is not. He can’t get in. I have the key.” “I will go with you to your flat.” “Tell me first what case you are working on.” “That must remain a secret for the present.” “Ha, ha! I know!” “You know?” “Yes.” “What case am I working on?” “The mystery of the Red Dragon Inn.” Dora laughed heartily. Carter uttered an exclamation of annoyance. “When you mentioned the name of Lawrence, I remembered that a man by that name had been murdered on New Year’s Eve at the Red Dragon Inn, and I also remembered that it was stated that you were working on the case. You see, I know.” “Humph!”