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He had then seen this corpse, and had assured himself that it was not Patrick Deever's; but he had been unable to do much more before the doctor returned. Therefore, he had made this late visit. He first examined some instruments which lay near the dissecting-table. They revealed nothing. Then for perhaps half an hour, he searched various parts of the room without result.
They led toward a hedge which separated the property from a large, vacant tract south of it. Nick could see where some person had recently broken through this hedge. And here he made a more important discovery, which gladdened his eyes. Beside the hedge were Deever's foot-prints, and another's. The second must be Patsy's. Passing through, Nick saw a wide field with a grove at its end.
He had removed the disguise in which he had deceived the doctor, and was now as Deever had seen him before. Deever recognized him at once, and started forward, saying: "You ask for proof of my brother's death. I will give it to you. Here is a man who saw him buried." And he pointed to the stranger. Nick received Deever's startling intelligence with every evidence of satisfaction.
As to your brother, I know where he has gone, because no other course was practicable; and because I have had word that he is there." "I defy you to prove it," cried Deever. "I am willing to let the question of my guilt or innocence rest on that event. He is not there." There was a peculiar light of triumph in Deever's eyes as he spoke. It did not escape Nick's observation.
Then Nick suggested that they proceed with greater caution. "The body," he said, "was probably buried without protection. If you strike it with your spades you may increase the difficulty of identification." Thus warned, Deever's two assistants worked with care, but Deever himself continued to ply his spade like a madman.
I will be answerable for the removal in advance of the permit." In spite of Deever's distrust of Nick, the great detective's manner, when he spoke with decision, was such as to secure instant obedience. The body was carried to the wall; two men were left to guard it, while Deever, with Klein, went for the carriage. Nick separated himself from the party. He did not go to see a coroner, however.
"I thank you very much for your evidence," said Nick. "But why do you want it?" asked Prescott. "I have heard a rumor that Patrick Deever has disappeared. This is his brother's house. Is the doctor suspected of having murdered him?" "He is," said Nick. "Then I see the bearing of my story upon the case; but I assure you that that bag did not contain Patrick Deever's body. It was too light."
"His name," said Deever, "is John Flint." "Where are you employed, Mr. Flint?" asked Nick. "I ain't doing nothing just now," said Flint. "What do you know about the disappearance of Mr. Deever's brother?" "I don't know anything about it, but I saw something Monday night which Mr. Deever wants me to swear to." "And you are willing?"
"The only evidence I now require," said Nick, "is something to show that your brother's body was hidden in the vacant lot and brought into the garden by Jarvis." "Why do you need that? But never mind; I will see what can be done." They separated then, and until evening Nick saw neither Deever nor Chick. But about six o'clock he met Chick by appointment in Deever's house.
"Go to Jarvis," said Nick. "He is going to tell the whole story. Personate me in this disguise." Chick nodded and vanished. Within the house Nick found Deever in the superintendent's presence. Deever's face was red, and he looked like a man who had been kicking a stone wall until he is tired. "Mr. Deever has lodged a complaint against you, Mr.
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