“That is true,” Nick agreed. “Have you ever seen David Margate or heard anything concerning him since he was convicted in London?”
“No, I have not.[Pg 30]”
“You have no reason to believe that he is in New York, then, aside from the resemblance of the criminal who committed this jewel robbery.”
“That is my only reason. You now can appreciate why I was overcome and fainted when told of the circumstances this morning,” said Mrs. Clayton.
“That is perfectly plain,” Nick nodded. “I think, too, that we now have covered all of the ground that is material at this time. I will be governed by what you have confided to me, and will do all that I can to prevent the facts from leaking out. You may depend upon that.”
“I have no words with which to thank you, Mr. Carter.”
“Don’t try,” said Nick, smiling. “Assuming that the criminal in this case is Chester’s twin brother, and despite that he ran across him and observed the resemblance that made the crime possible, I think it is quite probable that he does not suspect the relationship. Your husband very likely never told him about you and Chester.”
“Do you really think so, Mr. Carter?”
“I do,” said Nick. “Men do not often reveal their own baseness, not even to a son. I doubt very much that David Margate knows anything about his early history.”
“I hope so, I am sure, for Chester’s sake.”