"How do you know that he is innocent?"

Before Hammond could reply there came a knock at the door.

Nick answered it.

"Come in, Gaspard," he said, throwing the door wide open.

"You sent for me, and--Good God! who is this?"

"You know him, then?"

"Yes, yes, I know him," cried Gaspard; "he is the man who was in room A
last night."




CHAPTER V.

PATSY'S TIP.


Gaspard's declaration produced a stunning effect upon Hammond.

At first he seemed thunderstruck. There was a look in his face which
made Nick say to himself, "It isn't true."

But whether the accusation was true or false, Nick knew at once that
Hammond recognized Gaspard.