“What kind of matches do you provide in this hotel?�
“Why—er—just the ordinary wood safety matches, with the name of the hotel on the box. They are put in every room, for the use of smokers, and also to light the gas when a guest does not want to use the electric light. Some people like a lowered gas jet in the room all night, you know.â€�
“Do you use wax matches at all?�
Mallory shook his head and turned to Savage, who, as already remarked, was the detail man of the concern.
“Have we any of those matches, Savage?�
“None in the house, that I know of,� was the short reply. “Have you found out anything, Mr. Carter?�
“Nothing that I can report, Mr. Savage,� Nick answered. “It is too early to say one thing or another yet. I will say, however, that, in my opinion, the person responsible for the vanishing of Mrs. van Dietrich is living in the hotel.�
“A servant?� asked Mallory anxiously.
“That remains to be seen,� returned the detective, with a shrug. “It is also certain that there are accomplices on the outside. I will go to my room and think things over. After luncheon I will go into the case further. If anything comes to your knowledge that seems likely to be useful, you will find me in my room. Keep up your nerve, gentlemen, and, above all things, keep your own counsel. Strict secrecy, remember.[Pg 10]�
Once in his own room, Nick Carter lighted one of his favorite perfectos, of which he had brought a box with him, and settled down to think over the mystery that had so unexpectedly faced him in a place where he might have supposed he could rest and enjoy a vacation in peace.