Jack Marston labored under extreme terror in the presence of the dead girl—so much so that Nick spent five minutes getting the lad’s mind in condition to answer questions coherently. Then he began on the lad cautiously.
“How long have you been office boy for Bridgely & Byke, Jack?” asked the detective.
“Nearly two years.”
“What are your hours?”
“I get here at eight o’clock, and this time of year go home generally at five.”
“The office is closed up at that time?”
“The janitor generally takes it to clean up. Sometimes he don’t get in till later.”
“Do you lock up when you go away?”
“No, the janitor does that.”
“Who leaves the first generally?”
“Mr. Byke, when he’s here.”
“And when he’s not here?”
“Why, Mr. Gay. Mr. Gay has been out a good deal since Mr. Byke went to Europe. He wen
