When Nick had taken the chair which the young lady pointed out to him, she continued:
“It can scarcely be necessary, Mr. Carter, for me to apologize for receiving you here, rather than in the public reception rooms of the hotel, where we might be overheard in our conversation.”
“I understand all that, Miss Templin. You wish to consult me professionally.”
“Yes. I called on your chief of police yesterday, and he advised me to put the case in your hands. He also promised to send you to me, and I see he has kept his promise promptly.”
“I will be pleased to hear from you the nature of the work which you have for me to do,” said Nick, in order to hasten matters.
“Briefly, it is to find a man with a long, white beard,” she replied.
“That is rather a vague undertaking,” smiled Nick.
“You will not think so after I have told you more about it.
“Five years ago my father, as I have up to a recent date had reason to believe, died, and was buried. Last week I met either him alive and in the flesh, or his double. I want you to run this mystery down and solve it. That is the gist of the story. Now I will go into details.”
“If you please, Miss Templin.”