“In that way we will arrive at Anjou quicker than we could if we traveled by a regular ocean liner, and so had to make part of the journey overland after we arrived in France. We can go directly to his château, doubtless. It will not be hard to find.”
“And say, Nick.”
“Yes.”
“It may be that he will have set Bess at liberty before we get there. We may find that she has gone to Paris or London, and is there awaiting us, after cabling the fact that she is safe and well.”
“It is possible.”
“Well, I was going to say this: If that should turn out to be the case, what, then?”
“What, then?” replied Nick. “Why, then you may return to New York with Bessie, if you like, but you can leave me behind, for I’ve got an engagement to keep with Count Cadillac; and, Max, I’m going to keep it, if I have to search over the whole world to find him in order to do it. I’ve got several questions to ask him, and he’s got a few answers to give. He has taken one step too far in this business for Nick Carter ever to let up on him.”
“Bully for you, Nick! But, I say! Suppose—eh?—suppose we should find that Bessie has forgiven him, and married him?”
For a moment the detective did not reply; but then, very quietly, he said:
“I think, Max, that we won’t try to cross any bridges until we get to them.”