“Have you done anything about it?� asked Mallory.
“Yes,� was the reply. “I heard about this thing two hours ago.�
“You did? Why didn’t you tell me?�
“What would have been the use? I thought I might find out, by quiet investigation, before I came to you. Only the housekeeper and the maid, Mary Cook, know Mrs. van Dietrich is gone. After ten minutes’ inquiry and examination, I decided it was too much for us alone, and I wired to New York for Nicholas Carter.�
“The big detective, eh? That was a good move, Paul. I only hope he’ll come. What did you say in the message?�
“Told him an important case was here for him, and that we would pay any fee. He could name his own figure. But it was urgent, and would he come at once?�
“Two hours since you sent that to him in New York?�
“A little more than two hours. But I’ve had no answer. If he’d start at once, he could be here by evening.�
“Perhaps he isn’t at home.�
“That’s what I’m afraid of. He’s the only man I can think of who would be likely to make anything of this. It’s too much for the average policeman. Indeed——â€�