XI - DUANE THE DETECTIVE––––––––
HAVING LEARNED from Avice of Stryker’s relatives, Groot sought the butler at the home of his daughter.
“No,” said Mrs. Adler, a scared-looking young woman, “I don’t know where father is. I haven’t seen him for a day or two. But he can’t be lost.”
“He’s in hiding, madam,” said Groot, “and he must be found. Are you sure he’s not here?”
“Of course, I’m sure. What do you want of him, anyway? My husband is very ill, and I wish you wouldn’t bother me about it. I don’t believe anything has happened to my father, but if there has, I don’t know anything of it. You’ll have to excuse me now, I’m very busy.” She didn’t exactly shut the door in his face, but she came near it, and Groot went away uncertain as to whether she was telling the truth or not.
“I wish I’d
