“And that’s all you know about them,” Nick again interrupted.
“I admit that, Carter, and that’s why I want your aid,” Mantell said earnestly. “This man and the suit case must be found. I never can look Vandyke in the face. Think of it! If——”
“That’s what I am doing,” said Nick, smiling a bit oddly. “Now, Mantell, answer my questions. I then may do[Pg 15] something more than think. Whom have you told about this matter?”
“Only three persons,” Mantell quickly asserted. “My wife and my parents, with whom Helen and I have been living since our marriage. You knew, of course, that I was married eight weeks ago to Helen Bailey, the pretty telephone girl whom you served so kindly—and who, I may add, thinks so well of you Carters.”
“Yes, indeed, I know all about that, Mantell, but it’s irrelevant just now,” smiled Nick. “Did you caution your parents, however, to say nothing about the matter?”
“I did so most impressively.”
“Do you think they have obeyed you?”
“Yes, positively.”
“Where did you talk with them about it?”
“At home, Nick, in the library.”