In a few moments the nurse appeared. She was an extremely good-looking girl, smart and well dressed. Duvall recognized in her frank face, her clear blue eyes, the same appearance of honesty which had impressed him during his interview with Patrick Lanahan, her father.
"Mary," said Mrs. Stapleton, "this is Mr. Duvall. He is trying to find Jack for us. Tell him your story."
The girl turned to Duvall, who had risen. "I can hardly expect you to believe what I am going to say, Mr. Duvall, yet I assure you that it is the solemn truth."
"Go ahead, Miss Lanahan," said the detective. "I am prepared to believe whatever you may say."
The girl sat down, at Mrs. Stapleton's request. She still was somewhat weak, from her recent illness.
"It was a week ago last Wednesday. I left the house with Master Jack at half-past ten, and we drove to the Bois."
"Just a moment, please." Duvall stopped her with a quick gesture. "How long had you been going to the Bois in this way?"
"Over six weeks."
"And you always left about the same time—half-past ten?"
"Always."