"And as old as I am, madam, I've never before heard a woman speak so to me," said Nick, as if he were hurt by it.
Madge turned to him quickly.
"You mustn't mind what I say—always Turner," she said. "I have a habit of speaking harshly at times; but I am not unkind to those who are true to me. Do you happen to know a man who is named Nick Carter?"
She asked the question suddenly, as if she expected the utterance of the name would make the supposed Turner start with surprise; but Nick looked at her quite calmly, and replied:
"I know the name. He's a detective chap, ain't he? I heerd about him; something about that bank robbery."
"Is he in Calamont now, Turner?"
"No, ma'am; he ain't."
"Well, I know he wasn't there when I came out of town; and I didn't hear that he was expected there, nuther. And if he had been expected there I'd 'a' heerd it. There ain't nothin' goin' on in that town that I don't hear about."
"Do you know if he has been sent for?"