“I have heard very satisfactory things about you, Mr. Carter, if you will pardon me for using that expression,” the ambassador said slowly, picking his words, and still keeping his keen eyes upon the detective, while he retained that same attitude beside the desk. “I will not hesitate to say that the statements were made by no less a person than the present incumbent of the White House.”
“Indeed?” replied the detective. “That is gratifying.”
“Do not misunderstand me, Mr. Carter. He was not aware that I needed the services of a gentleman of your qualifications. Nobody has been made aware of that, save the man who went to New York to induce you to come here—and myself.”
The detective bowed his head. He made no other reply.
“I suppose you are more or less well known in Washington?” the ambassador asked; and he passed around the desk to his chair.
“I suppose so.”
“I apprehended that your personality is, also, more or less well known; and by that I refer also to your profession?”
“I suppose so,” Nick replied again.
“That is why I made the appointment with you for this hour—midnight. I desired that as few persons as possible should know of your visit to this house.”