“You must be right, Carter,” Garland said, more calmly. “I now see it plainly. My honor is at stake, as you said, and the integrity of Senator Barclay. What’s to be done?”
“You can do nothing,” Nick replied. “The recovery of those plans before any advantage can be derived from them is my work.”
“But is it possible?”
“I must make it possible. You, Garland, must do what I direct.”
“I will. But what?”
“I want you where I can reach you quickly, if necessary,” said Nick. “I also think it wise for you to disappear temporarily. I may be able to turn that to some advantage. I am stopping at the Willard. Leave here to-morrow morning and register there in this disguise under the name of John Black. Get a room on the third floor, if possible, on which I am located.”
“I will do so,” said Garland, taking the disguise.
“I am registered as Arthur Greenleaf,” Nick added. “Two of my assistants are in same suite. Don’t seek me, however, nor make any inquiries. Merely lie low and wait till I come to you. Do you understand?”
“Perfectly,” said Garland. “I will follow your instructions to the letter.”
“Very good,” Nick replied. “Where is the dummy portfolio and the papers it contained?”