“They’ll spoil everything,” he said. “They’re just so clumsy that Red Jackley will close up like a clam if they try to make him talk.”

“Perhaps,” remarked Frank significantly, “they’ll miss their train.”

At that moment the telephone rang. Mr. Hardy answered it.

“Hello⁠—yes, this is Fenton Hardy⁠—yes⁠—oh, yes, doctor⁠—he is⁠—well, well⁠—is that so?⁠—won’t live until morning⁠—I can see him?⁠—fine⁠—thank you⁠—goodbye.”

He put back the receiver.

“There,” he said wearily, “just my luck! Red Jackley is dying, and the doctor says I can see him tonight. But Collig and Smuff will have first right to talk to him, for they are officials and I’m only a private detective. If Jackley confesses, they’ll have the credit for it.”