"How about the fire-escape?" 

 "There is only that one on the side which you can see. The little yard back of the house is walled in by buildings." 

 "So Mr. and Mrs. Jones must be inside?" 

 "Yes." 

 "And the girl?" 

 "She is out. She has been going on errands half a dozen times, but usually to the grocer's or the butcher's around the corner. I don't know where she has gone this time. She's been out about a quarter of an hour." 

 "All right. I'm going over there." 

 Nick changed his disguise to that in which Jones had seen him. He did it in the hall of the flat house, while waiting for the door to be opened in answer to his ring. 

 Jones met him on the upper landing. 

 "Look here," said Jones, when he recognized Nick, "isn't this going a little too far? What do you want now?" 

 "I would like to ask Mrs. Jones a few questions if you have no objections." 

 "I object very seriously." 

 "Will you ask her if she is willing to see me?" 

 "No; I won't." 

 "Then I shall have to use my authority." 

 "Don't do that. Come now, be a good fellow. Amy is sick with all this worry. She's just gone to bed. Let her alone until to-morrow." 

 "I will," said Nick. "Good-night." 

 He descended the stairs and rejoined Musgrave, who was standing in a dark place on the opposite side of the street. 

 "Have you seen a light in that window?" asked Nick, pointing to the flat. 

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