“Jones is not my real name, Miss Lansing,” said Nick.
He had been studying the girl and felt he could trust her.
“No?” she asked.
“I am Nicholas Carter.”
“You don’t tell me! John said he was going to secure your services to look into this mine matter.”
“That is what he did, and that is why I am here now. It is also the reason why I ask you to keep from your uncle the knowledge that your brother is alive and well.”
“Of course, Mr. Carter, if you desire it, I will say nothing.”
“I do desire it. Call me Jones, Miss Lansing, just as though you did not know my real name. If you could continue to act as though depressed and anxious about your brother, whenever you meet your uncle, it would be well.”
Her eyes opened very wide, but she did not ask Nick why he desired all this.
It was evident that she thought it was all in the line of his duty and that questioning would be out of place.