“The beard may have been a disguise.”
“I think I would have detected it.”
“You do not detect mine,” smiled Nick. “He may be equally skillful.”
“There may be something in that,” Belden admitted, laughing. “At all events, Mr. Carter, the man was a total stranger to me. But why do you regard the message so suspiciously?”
“Have you a copy of it?”
“Yes, certainly.”
“Let me see it.”
Belden stepped into the outer office, returning presently with a spindle, on which were copies of all of the telegrams received that day. He began to remove them, seeking the one in question, and Nick said, while waiting:
“By the way, Belden, have you received any other telegrams from Philadelphia this morning, or within a day or two?”
“Yes. There was one this morning.”