angles with that in which Nick was standing. On the second hall were
three rooms, A, B and C.

Room C was next the avenue. The other two had windows on an open space
between two wings of the building. Nick glanced at the register, and saw
that "R.M. Clark and wife" had been assigned to room A, and "John Jones
and wife" to room B. Room C was vacant.

The detective had barely time to note these entries on the book when
Gaspard came running back.

His face was as white as paper, and his lips were working as if he were
saying something, but not a sound came from them.

He was struck dumb with fright. Whatever it was that he had seen must
have been horrible, to judge from the man's trembling limbs and
distorted face.

Nick had seen people in that condition before, and he did not waste time
trying to get any information out of Gaspard.

Instead, he seized the frightened fellow by the shoulder and pushed him
along toward the front of the house.

Gaspard made a feeble resistance. Evidently he did not want to see again
the sight which had so terrified him.

But he was powerless in Nick's grasp. In five seconds they stood before
the open door of room B.