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The Hand of the Law
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room. I’m feeling pretty well used up. My room is right here next to Mr. Drysdale’s. If you want me, you can call me.”

“Certainly, sir,” agreed Heffelbower instantly. “And let me t’ank you again for your fery faluable suggestions.”

“Oh, not at all,” returned Tremaine, and entered his room.

The others went on to the next door. Delroy knocked.

“Who’s there?” queried Drysdale’s voice.

“Open up, Jack,” called Delroy. “We’ve got to see you on some rather important business.”

“Important business!” Drysdale repeated, and they heard him cross the room. Then the door was flung open. “Come in—why, what the deuce is all this about, Dickie?”

“Come in and shut the door, Jack,” replied Delroy quietly. “This gentleman is Coroner Heffelbower, of Babylon. He wishes to ask you a few questions.”

Drysdale answered with a stare of amazement, but he stood aside and let them pass into the room.

“Why, what’s all this, Jack?” asked Delroy, looking about at the disorder.

Drysdale closed the door and turned toward him rather sheepishly.

“Fact is, I was packing, Dickie,” he said. “I’ve got to go back to New York to-day, to look after some investments. I’d like to stay, old man, but I really can’t——