Nick Carter did not visit the butler’s pantry to examine the broken window, nor did he care to inspect the soiled sheet left there by Andy Margate, who had provided for him with unexpected outside help one of the strangest cases in the career of the celebrated detective.
Nick already had formed a correct theory in regard to the burglary. He now wanted to learn only what gave Senator Barclay so much more anxiety and distress than his pecuniary loss.
Nick accompanied him into the library, therefore, leaving Patsy to wait in the reception room, and he began with informing the statesman of the circumstances which, beyond any reasonable doubt, explained the crime committed in his residence early that morning.
“Good heavens!” Senator Barclay exclaimed, after hearing Nick’s statements. “Are we never to be rid of this man Margate? I never heard of such a case. If he——”
“Never mind him, Senator Barclay,” Nick interposed. “I will put him away for keeps sooner or later.”
“Well, well, I hope so.”
“Tell me without delay, for time may be valuable, how you are threatened with something more serious than the loss of your money and jewels.”
“It is infinitely more serious, Carter, for it not only involves a matter of international importance, but also the reputation, welfare, and social standing of a very prominent and very beautiful woman,” said Senator Barclay, in tones tremulous again with profound feeling.
“How so?” Nick inquired. “Was something else stolen?”
“Yes. In the pocket of the coat stolen by Margate was a document confided to me temporarily by the woman in question.”