“Is that why he is seeking his son?”
“Exactly,” bowed Sir Edward. “His only other son, who would have been the heir to his title and his estate, died seven months ago. The earl has no direct male successor except Lord Waldmere. He desires a reconciliation, therefore, and is anxious to forgive the recreant son and reinstate him as heir to his title and property. That is as it should be, Mr. Carter, and I have done all in my power to bring it about.”
“No doubt,” said Nick, gazing steadily at his visitor. “This will be good news for Waldmere, providing he can be found.”
“Found?” echoed the Englishman inquiringly. “What do you mean by found? I thought you knew where he was living.”
“So I do,” said Nick. “Where he now is living, or whether he is living, at present, are open questions.”
“What do you mean?” questioned Chadwick, with a gasp. “I don’t understand you.”
“I will make it plain with a very few words,” Nick replied.
He swung round a little in his chair while speaking, and he then proceeded to tell his visitor of the disappearance of Waldmere, and of the circumstances and apprehensions concerning him.
The Englishman listened, with occasional interruptions and questions, and with almost constant wringing of his hands.
“Well, well, this is terrible, terrible,” he declared, after Nick had concluded. “This news will kill his father, if not already dead. You say you are at work on the case, Mr. Carter. Have you no clew, no encouragement to give me?”