One was the celebrated New York detective, Nick Carter, and his two companions were his two chief assistants, Chickering Carter and Patsy Garvan.
“I’ll answer it, chief,” said Patsy, who happened to be the nearest to the room telephone.
“Go ahead,” Nick nodded. “Who can want me at this hour? Harold Garland, perhaps, or Senator Barclay, though I can’t imagine for what.”
“It’s Captain Hadley, the chief of police,” said Patsy. “He wants to talk with you.”
Nick took the receiver and called:
“Hello! What’s wanted, Hadley?”
“That you, Nick?”
“Yes.”
“How soon can you leave to meet me?”
“Immediately, Hadley, if necessary.”