Some of it, as the reader knows, was news to Deever.  He seemed surprised to find the case supported and strengthened by the man whom he suspected of trying to weaken it.

“I call that plain enough,” said he, when Nick had finished.  “I will withdraw my charge against Mr. Colton, if some action is now taken.”

“No action will be taken except on his advice,” said the superintendent.

Deever became excited again.  He ran over the evidence, and insisted on an immediate arrest.

Nick said nothing, and the superintendent maintained the calm of an iron statue.

When Deever had exhausted himself, Nick spoke.

“I promise you an arrest in one hour,” he said.

At this moment a card was brought in and handed to the superintendent.

“From Chick,” he said aside to Nick.  “He and Jarvis are waiting.  What do you say?”

“Let them come in,” said Nick.

They were admitted.  Chick, as the reader is prepared to learn, appeared as the exact counterpart of Nick.

Deever was struck dumb with astonishment at the sight, and the doctor’s eyes nearly fell out of his head.

Byrnes smiled, and muttered “clever.”

“Which of these two men do you complain of, Mr. Deever?” he asked, enjoying the man’s mystification.

But Deever did not reply, except to mutter something about the interference of the devil in earthly affairs.

Dr. Jarvis, with some effort, recovered some portion of his composure.

“Well, sir,” said the superintendent, addressing him, “I suppose that you have something to say to me.”

“I have, sir,” replied Jarvis; “and no man could be charged with a more painful disclosure.”

“Speak up.”

“I am guilty of the murder of Patrick Deever.”

This confession produced no perceptible effect upon Nick, though the reader cannot have failed to perceive that the great detective had been working with a conviction of the doctor’s innocence.

Of all the persons in the room, Deever exhibited the strongest emotion.  He gasped, sprang to his feet, and then sat down again heavily.

“What do you say to that?” he exclaimed, turning to Nick.

“I am waiting to hear Dr. Jarvis’ story,” Nick replied.

“Yes,” said the superintendent, “let us hear all about it.”

Dr. Jarvis tried to speak, but the words would not come.  He staggered and fell half-fainting into a chair.

“I cannot tell it,” he said, when he had somewhat revived.  “Wait till I am stronger.”

“Perhaps that will not be necessary,” said Nick.

“No, no; why should it?” said the prisoner, in a faint voice.  “I confess, and that is the end of it.”

“However, we would like to know more fully about this affair,” said Byrnes, and he looked inquiringly at Nick.

“Let me tell the story,” said Nick to Jarvis.  “If I am right, you have only to nod.  That will do for the present occasion.  We are not taking testimony.”