"Whom did your friend plan to visit here?"
"I don't know," the visitor admitted. "Mr. Kline was very secretive."
"Have you inquired for him in the village?"
"Yes, no one has heard of the man. It is all very bewildering."
"Are you actually sure that he came to Kendon?" inquired Mr. Nichols.
"I have no proof, but neither have I any reason for thinking that he would go elsewhere. I am convinced that my partner met with foul play."
"You wished to consult me professionally?" Mr. Nichols asked. He wondered who had sent the man to him.
"Professionally?" Mr. Madden questioned in a puzzled tone.
"I am a detective, you know," Mr. Nichols smiled. "On vacation at the present."
"Oh," murmured the visitor in surprise. "No, I wasn't aware of your calling. The grocery store man sent me to you. He told me that you had picked up a stranger in your car several nights ago, and I thought that by some chance the man might have been my missing partner."