Nick put this in the envelope, sealed it with mucilage found on the desk, and laid the letter on the book on the library table, just as it was before.
In looking for the mucilage he had to disturb the papers a little, and he found something else which he considered of the utmost importance.
This something else was a cigarette box containing five cigarettes which fitted the cigarette machine and also bore a perfect resemblance to the cigarette Nick had smoked, the day before, in the assay office.
Nick sank back in the chair, his face extremely thoughtful.
“Well, well,” he muttered.
Just then Miss Lansing came hurriedly in.
“The two gentlemen whom uncle expected are downstairs at the door,” she said, walking to the table and picking up the letter. “I will return presently, Mr. Jones.”
“I am in no hurry, Miss Lansing.”
When again left alone, Nick picked a cigarette from the box and put it in his pocket.
He was ready to leave when Miss Lansing returned.