“I believe that you did not intend to injure him,” said Nick.  “I suppose he might as well get up now.”

He uttered a peculiar call.  Chick instantly sat up under the sheet.  Then he threw it aside, got down from the slab, and advanced toward Nick and Jarvis, removing his gag and bonds as he did so.

Jarvis regarded this performance with wonder.

“You should take some lessons in tying knots,” said Nick.

“And now,” he continued, “we will take you to my house.”

“Arrest me?”

“I would hardly call it by that name, unless you prefer it.”

“But I am innocent.”

“That question we will pass for the present.  There is one link wanting in the chain of evidence against you.  I shall supply that link, and then we will see what comes of it.”

With a hasty movement, Dr. Jarvis took a little vial from his pocket, and raised it toward his lips.

But Nick had been watching.  He struck the vial from the doctor’s hand, and it went flying through the window.

“If you will give me your word of honor not to attempt suicide again,” said Nick, calmly, “I will not handcuff you.”

Jarvis hung his head.

“Your word will bind you for three days, no more,” said Nick.

“I promise,” said the doctor.

“Remove your dressing-gown and cap,” said Nick.

Jarvis complied with the request, and Nick received the articles from his hands.  Leaving the care of the prisoner to Chick, he carried the dressing-gown to the window.

“Ah!” said he, “you have torn the dressing-gown.”

“Where?” asked the doctor.

“It is ripped under the arms,” Nick replied, “and the cloth is strained beside each shoulder seam on the back.”

“I was not aware of it,” said Jarvis.

“Put it on again,” said Nick, and the doctor obeyed.

Nick studied his figure carefully.  He made Jarvis assume a number of positions, and at last seemed satisfied.

Chick was not possessed of the information to fully understand these maneuvers, but he knew by his chief’s manner that the subject was of the first importance.

After the doctor had been clothed properly for the street he was taken to Nick’s home in a closed carriage.

Then Nick and Chick had a few words in private.

“That last link which I spoke of,” said Nick, “must be supplied by you.”

Chick nodded.

“The land back of St. Agnes’ Hospital, as you know is a sort of lovers’ walk,” Nick continued.

“It is.”

“If the body of Patrick Deever was hidden there, and was removed to the garden by night, somebody may have seen it done.”

“And that somebody,” said Chick, “may not come forward without being urged.”

“Right.”

“I think I can manage it, if there is any witness.  Of course, there may be none.”

“I will bet you a dollar to a doughnut that such a witness appears whether you get him or not.”