In this conviction he was sustained by Chief Collig, who had paid a call at the Applegate home as soon as Collig had told him of the vain search of the towers.

“The chief says Robinson is behind it, and I’m beginnin’ to think he’s right,” said Applegate.

“But how about the confession?” Mr. Hardy asked.

“The chief says that’s all a blind. Jackley did it to protect Robinson. They were both working together.”

“I know it looks bad for Robinson, but I don’t think it would hurt to give the towers another thorough search. I was the one who heard Jackley make the confession and I don’t believe he was lying. I believe he was trying to tell me all he knew.”

“Maybe. Maybe. I think he was too smart for you, Mr. Hardy, and everybody else thinks so too. It was all a hoax.”