During the brief space of time taken to go from the ladies’ parlor into the carriage, Mrs. Ladew had evidently thought that her whole safety lay in giving her utmost confidence to the famous detective.
A part of this lay in that impression of trustworthiness that Nick made upon all with whom he came in contact.
And so it was that, when they were in the carriage and had driven out of the crowded streets into Fairmount Park, Mrs. Ladew said, impulsively:
“I shall tell you all, Mr. Carter. But if I do so, can I rely upon you to save me from the consequences of my folly?”
“You can rely upon me to the uttermost. I have no commission except to find Mr. Ellison and discover the mystery of his disappearance. I have no duty to perform in punishing anybody. But I will protect you and safeguard you from any trouble that may come out of your relations with Lannigan or with Mr. Ellison.”
Mrs. Ladew turned on him, astonished.
“And do you know of that, too?”
Nick bowed his head and said:
“I do know of that. Now, please answer the question I asked you before we left the ladies’ parlor of that store. What message did that man bring to Mr. Ellison that made him respond so promptly?”
“The message was that if Mr. Ellison did not at once go to see the wife he had married in England six years before, and who was then nearby, she would appear at that reception and expose him in the presence of everybody.”