Early that evening Francis Sedgwick came to the hotel. The clerk, at first negligent, pricked up his ears and exhibited unmistakable signs of human interest when he heard the name; for the suspicion attaching to the artist had spread swiftly. Moreover, the caller was in a state of hardly repressed excitement.
"Mr. Kent? I'm afraid you can't see him, sir. He isn't in his room."
The clerk hesitated. "I ought not to tell you, sir, for it's Mr. Kent's strict orders not to be disturbed; but he's in his special room. Is it anything very important? Any new evidence, or something of that sort?"
"That is what I want Mr. Kent to decide."
"In that case I might take the responsibility. But I think I had better take you to him myself."
After the elevator had carried them to the top of its run, they mounted a flight of stairs, and walked to a far corner of the building.
"Nobody's been in here since he took it," explained the clerk as they walked. "Turned all the furniture out. Special lock on the door. Some kind of scientific experiments, I suppose. He's very quiet about it."
Having reached the door, he discreetly tapped. No answer came. Somewhat less timidity characterized his next effort. A growl of surpassing savagery from within was his reward.
"You see, Mr. Sedgwick," said the clerk. Raising his voice he called, "Mr. Kent, I've brought--"
"Get away and go to the devil!" cried a voice from inside in fury. "What do you mean by--"
"It's I, Kent, Sedgwick. I've got to see you."
"What do you want?" asked Kent at length.
"You told me to come at once if anything turned up."
"So I did," sighed Kent. "Well, chase that infernal bell-boy to the stairs, and I'll let you in."
With a wry face the clerk retired. Kent opened the door, and his friend squeezed through into a bare room. The walls were hung and the floor was carpeted with white sheets. There was no furniture of any kind, unless a narrow mattress in one corner could be so reckoned. Beside the mattress lay a small pad and a pencil. Only on the visitor's subconscious self did these peculiarities impress themselves, such was his absorption in his own interests.
"Has it?" said Kent. "Lean up against the wall and make yourself at home. Man, you're shaking!"