“Evans,” he said sharply, “you have misled me. We shall consider this investigation closed.”
A triumphant smile crossed Herbert Rascomb’s face. He offered his hand to Captain Johns who shook it firmly.
“You are a just and reasonable man, Captain. I was certain I could convince you of the truth. Evans meant well, but he allowed his imagination to run away with him.”
“He did that. My apologies, Mr. Rascomb.”
“Don’t be too hard on Evans,” Rascomb replied with a show of solicitude. “A day in the hospital and he’ll feel like himself again.”
Flash started to speak and changed his mind. With the Captain against him he had no chance. Angrily, he started for the door.
“Wait!” commanded Captain Johns. “I have a few words to say to you.”
Reluctantly, Flash paused. The captain politely bade Gordon and Rascomb good evening, and departed.
Once in the hallway his manner immediately altered. Grasping Flash’s arm, he guided him toward the elevator.
“Don’t take what I said too seriously, Evans,” he advised. “There’s something wrong here. While we were with Rascomb an attack was made on the Major!”
Captain Johns pressed his finger steadily on the elevator signal bell. When the cage did not immediately ascend, he started up the stairway. Flash followed him.
“It was the hotel clerk who telephoned me,” he explained. “Major Hartgrove can’t be located. His room is empty and there is evidence of a brutal attack!”
“Rascomb—” Flash began only to be cut short.
“How could Rascomb have had anything to do with it?” Captain Johns demanded with a snort of impatience. “We were with him for the past twenty minutes. Young man, you should devote your talents to picture taking.”
“I’m right about Rascomb,” Flash maintained stubbornly. “But if you want to drop the matter that’s your concern. I intend to swear out a warrant for his arrest on a charge of assault.”
“You couldn’t do a more foolish thing,” the captain snapped. “No, don’t go. I want to have a talk with you. But first I must learn what has happened upstairs.”
Flash followed his companion down the corridor to Room 267. The door stood half open, and several hotel officials, an excited bellboy and a chambermaid, already were gathered there.
“What has happened?” demanded Captain Johns gruffly.