“I understand,” replied Nick. “Good-by! I’ll soon be with you.”

“You will find me waiting for you,” was the girl’s agitated answer.

CHAPTER III.
NICK CARTER TASTES SALT.

When Nick Carter dashed up to the front entrance of Crownledge in his own big touring car, with Danny Maloney at the wheel, he found Claudia Solado on the porch, looking for him.

“Oh, Mr. Carter! I’m so glad you have come. He’s gone!”

“Who? My assistant?”

“Marcos, my cousin.”

“What do you mean? That there have been two disappearances?”

“Yes. Did they go together?”

“We don’t know.”