“That is a minor consideration. In two or three days, if you like, I will——”
“That will be too late. In cases of this kind, as you perhaps know, little time should be lost.”
“Exactly. For that reason it is strange that you allowed Tuesday to pass without coming to me.”
“I knew you had not returned home, sir; and, besides, I was in Boston Tuesday, Mr. Carter.”
“There are detectives in Boston—good ones.”
“But Nick Carter doesn’t live in Boston,” said Yasmar, with a flattering smile. “The police there are doing their best. Still, the young man’s relatives would feel better to know that you had taken the case.”
“That is out of the question, unless you wait for two or three days.”
“Would not a large retainer tempt you to lay aside your other work and give your immediate attention to this matter?”
“No, sir.”
Yasmar got up.